Venstar®, a leading thermostat and energy management systems supplier, announced that it has expanded New York state distribution of its commercial and residential thermostats by adding two new distributors.

The wireless mesh communicating thermostats are designed for use with the company’s WEBs-AX™ building automation systems.

With an intuitive user interface, the ComfortLink™ II thermostat features a 7-inch, high-definition color touch screen, which allows homeowners to control and provide the ideal temperature and humidity 24/7.

Honeywell and Opower have announced plans to jointly develop energy management tools to help consumers cut their energy use and expenses.

Battery powered or hardwired, the Comfort System™ T-21-P touchscreen thermostat can be installed in residential or light commercial applications.

SimpleComfort® SC700 and SC900 series fan coil thermostats are designed for high-voltage fan coil and baseboard applications.

Ingersoll Rand announced the combined efforts of its Trane and Schlage units working with Verizon in launching Verizon’s new Home Monitoring and Control service. The service creates a “connected home,” giving consumers remote access to their thermostat, locks, lights, appliances, and energy use.

Best Buy entered the home energy management market in three of its stores this month. The trial provides customers with access to smart thermostats and solar elements as well as a plethora of controls and efficient lighting solutions.

Comments on the Nest thermostat, which was designed by the creator of the iPod, and has been offered for presale through Best Buy and www.nest.com.

For the third year in a row, ecobee has been named a winner of the Deloitte Technology Green 15™ Award, which was created in 2007 to showcase 15 Canadian companies that Deloitte says are leading the way in the field of green technology.