Close WindowFAIRFIELD, N.J. | June 6, 2001 —Notifact, a leader in wireless equipment communications, today announced it has contracted with Invensys Energy Solutions to provide the Albertson's supermarket chain with Internet-based remote control of lighting systems at 250 locations throughout California. The systems are currently being installed at select Albertson's stores and should all be fully operational by June 30.
This real-time communications capability will enable the company to turn the lights on or off at any or all locations instantly, allowing Albertson's to meet the California Public Utility Commission's (CPUC) thirty-minute window for participating in the curtailable load rebate program. Albertson's also will receive a grant for installation of the equipment through the CPUC's demand load reduction program.
"This initiative is very exciting for us, as we are introducing yet another application of the Notifact system," Kevin Duffy, vice president, sales and marketing, Notifact, said. "To date, we have been able to monitor almost any piece of equipment, from complex HVAC/R systems to power generators. With two-way communications capabilities, we now offer the potential to control equipment remotely from a branded web site, WAP phone or Palm Pilot. It's also very satisfying to us to contribute to the energy conservation efforts that have become necessary in California."
The Notifact wireless transceiver will connect directly to the Invensys Energy Solutions Energy Management and Control System located in the Albertson's stores, and will allow Albertson's to remotely configure and send commands to the system via standard web browser or WAP communicating device. Notifact will enable Albertson's to respond immediately to requests from the CPUC to reduce its energy load, as wireless technology provides real time communications. This bi-directional communication capability also eliminates clunky dial up modems and the costs associated with having a dedicated commercial phone line.
"This initiative is another example of Albertson's innovative leadership in the supermarket industry," Glenn Barrett, Albertson's Senior Energy Manager said. "Notifact's technology provides us with one more pro-active step towards reducing our energy demand during this critical time in California."
Working in conjunction with the demand load reduction program, the CPUC's curtailable load rebate program allows for California businesses to further assist the state by giving them a refund in return for reducing their energy load.
"We look forward to helping forge a solution for the energy crisis that will set a new standard for other businesses to follow," Clay Newman, vice president and general manager, Invensys Energy Solutions, said. "The installation of the system provides a cost-effective way to help the state during an energy crisis that has a much larger payback in the end, not only in dollars, but in the prevention of the disruption of people's lives."
The Notifact Wireless Communication System applies Internet server and wireless technologies to provide real-time equipment communications. Notifact Corp. develops complete custom monitoring and bi-directional communication solutions for equipment manufacturers, contractors and building owners. These solutions include branded websites, plug and play equipment and integration with service dispatch/CRM systems. Notifact's OEM partners include Lennox Industries, Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, Fireye, and Munters Corporation. The Notifact transceiver employs Microburst® technology developed by Aeris.net, which provides wireless conductivity.
Invensys Energy Solutions (http://www.invensysclimate.com), is the leading supplier of turnkey electronic control systems integrating HVAC, refrigeration and lighting control in supermarket and other food and non-food retail facilities. Invensys Energy Solutions designs, develops, manufactures, installs, services, and markets a complete line of electronic controllers that provide accurate, state of the art control, monitor, and alarm functions.
Albertson's, Inc. (http://www.albertsons.com), is one of the largest retail food and drug chains in the United States. Based in Boise, Idaho, the company currently operates 2,536 retail stores in 36 states across the United States -- 795 of which are located in California.
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