When the heat is on, so is air conditioning and demand for electricity spikes upward. To provide a tool for load control, the “Superstat” has been designed to reduce demand for electricity during peak periods year round, and enable utilities and residential customers to save dollars.

Jointly developed by Honeywell, Minneapolis, MN, and Comverge Technologies, a subsidiary of Data Systems & Software, Florham Park, NJ, this programmable thermostat features a built-in wireless radio frequency (RF) communication module. During peak load periods, the utility can send a signal directing the thermostat to reduce energy use by cycling the operation of a heat pump or central air conditioner.

The unit can also be used to cycle the operation of water heaters and other electric loads, such as pool pumps.