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TXU Energy Launches Nation's First ZigBee-Enabled Demand Response Program Over Broadband Internet Using Comverge Smart Thermostat

TXU Energy is launching a two-way demand response program through a partnership that includes Comverge and Digi International. Digi will provide the Ethernet/ZigBee(R) gateway, while Comverge will provide smart thermostats -- referred as the TXU Energy iThermostat(TM) -- using ZigBee enabled Home Area Network (HAN) equipment. The Energy Star(R)-certified programmable thermostat allows customers to conveniently adjust their temperature settings from any computer connected to the Internet. It also allows TXU Energy to cycle a customer's air conditioning during periods of peak energy demand, reducing the strain on generation and transmission facilities.

"The iThermostat is great for customers who want to manage their energy usage, save money and lessen the impact on our environment without giving up comfort or convenience," said Jim Burke, CEO of TXU Energy. "The TXU Energy iThermostat helpsTexas efficiently manage its energy resources while providing customers greater control over their own energy usage. It is initiatives like these that will have a big impact now and into the future."

The program is free of charge to the residential customer, with customers self-installing the equipment, eliminating the expense of installation.

"This program provides the mechanism to deliver true two-way demand response programs over high-speed Internet connections," said Robert M. Chiste, Comverge Chairman, President and CEO. "Many utilities are beginning to deploy AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) systems which can take years to install. This technology allows them to deploy ZigBee-enabled demand response devices now, which can ultimately integrate with those systems.

"Our Smart Grid Solutions Group is pleased to work with TXU Energy to provide them with what we believe is the most cost effective, innovative clean energy technology available on the market today, and we are very proud to help launch one of the nation's first IP gateway Home Area Networks."

"We are seeing numerous applications where ZigBee and other wireless technologies are being used to network devices and utilize the wealth of information they contain," said Joe Dunsmore, CEO, Digi International. "We are pleased to be working closely with Comverge and TXU Energy. Our wireless gateways connect the TXU Energy iThermostat to the Internet, allowing customers to enjoy the cost savings and reduced environmental footprint TXU Energy's unique demand response program provides."

"ZigBee is widely recognized as an excellent solution for energy companies implementing AMI programs," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "ZigBee Alliance member companies TXU Energy, Comverge and Digi have an innovative solution using ZigBee and the Internet to give their customers an easy and rapid way to improve energy efficiency and help the environment."

About Comverge

Comverge is a leading provider of clean energy solutions that improve grid reliability and supply electric capacity on a more cost effective basis than conventional alternatives by reducing base load and peak load energy consumption. For more information, visit www.comverge.com.

About TXU Energy

TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million electricity customers inTexas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit www.txuenergy.com for more information about TXU Energy and www.txu.com/ithermostat for information on the iThermostat.

About Digi International

Digi International, the leader in device networking for business, develops reliable products and technologies to connect and securely manage local or remote electronic devices over the network or via the Web. Digi offers the highest levels of performance, flexibility and quality, and markets its products through a global network of distributors and resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

About the ZigBee Alliance:

ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 260 member companies driving development of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in energy, home, commercial and industrial areas. For more information, visit: www.ZigBee.org.

    For Additional Information

    Christina Kelly
    Corporate Communications Manager
    Comverge Inc.
    509-435-6341
    ckelly@comverge.com

SOURCE Comverge, Inc.