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Power Networks and Skycentrix propose cellular EcoPort pilot to scale demand response for water heaters
Summary
Power Networks and partner Skycentrix told PURA they can deploy a low‑cost ‘‘EcoPort’’ socket and cellular communication modules on heat‑pump water heaters to enable continuous, interoperable demand response (CIDR). The team proposed a 27‑unit pilot in Connecticut to test reliability, avoided costs and equity outcomes.
Power Networks presented a proposal to use open interoperability standards (EcoPort socket and OpenADR) and low‑cost cellular modules to scale continuous, 24/7 demand response across water heaters and other flexible loads. Robert Kirkshank (Power Networks) and Tristan de Frondeville (Skycentrix) described a small, rapid pilot focused on heat‑pump water heaters with a goal of demonstrating a standardized, vendor‑agnostic path to large‑scale flexibility.
Kirkshank said the pilot would start with 27 EcoPort modules—two units in a UConn/Eversource lab and 25 distributed across United Illuminating and Eversource service territories. The plan is to use cellular connectivity…
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