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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 (5G/data SIM) as a "plug‑and‑play" option to avoid customers needing to use home Wi‑Fi, thereby expanding participation in underserved communities. The presenters emphasized standards and open source software as the foundation: EcoPort sockets, OpenADR signaling, and an open approach to avoid proprietary vendor lock‑in.
Presenters argued the EcoPort model reduces cost and recurring fees, and that economies of scale can drive module price below the quoted $230 to as little as $50–$60 if large bulk buys are organized. The team provided a basic cost model: including hardware, tax/shipping and a modest participant incentive the first‑cost could be about $380 per install and they forecast break‑even on avoided costs in roughly 2.7 years in their scenarios.
Power Networks said pilot testing would measure latency, kW reduced, kWh shifted, avoided generation/transmission/distribution costs, and user acceptance, with an explicit equity goal to funnel 40% of benefits to disadvantaged communities. They also described a self‑install model and customer support line; PURA staff asked how many mailed EcoPort sockets get installed (Answer: about 80% historically for Wi‑Fi versions; cellular is simpler and near universal) and how lack of broadband affects participation. Tristan said fewer than 10–20% of households lack broadband in Connecticut, but that the problem is worse in underserved communities—an argument the team used to justify the cellular approach.
Why it matters: Connecticut utilities told PURA they need low‑cost, scalable demand‑response tools to integrate renewables and avoid expensive upgrades. Power Networks’ standards‑first, low‑cost cellular EcoPort model is a direct attempt to create large‑scale flexible capacity while lowering both upfront and recurring costs compared with proprietary solutions.
What’s next: PURA staff said they would consider the proposal along with others in the docket and may request follow‑up information; the team said it would provide written responses to any staff interrogatories.
