--  UK-based advanced metering equipment manufacturer, Horstmann, has     already produced smart meters for the European market, with its H-series     and SG-series product lines. The combination electricity and gas meters     feature displays that provide consumers with an overview of their hourly,     daily and monthly energy consumption. The SG-series uses GSM/GPRS to     transmit data to the energy supplier for an improved and transparent     billing process. --  Kamstrup, a leading global manufacturer of system solutions for energy     metering, plans to integrate Z-Wave technology into its metering modules     during the second quarter of 2009, allowing the meters to transmit     consumption data to smart energy displays, home control centers and     utilities. --  Danish energy supplier Modstroem, which has been providing an     innovative solution for reducing electricity costs since 2008, uses Z-Wave     to provide active assistance to its customers in their efforts to reduce     energy consumption. The savings made can then be either credited to the     household or invested in CO2 certificates.      

"As the building of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the U.S. accelerates with the availability of federal stimulus funds, Z-Wave is well positioned to play a leading role given its success overseas," said Bill Ablondi, director of Home Systems research with Parks Associates.

The Z-Wave AEC framework allows energy suppliers and smart meter manufacturers to develop an intelligent and advanced domestic energy management system that is designed to help homeowners better understand and manage their home energy use. According to a recent study from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), fifty-six percent of consumers show interest in "smart energy meters" that provide information on optimum times to run appliances for utility bill savings. Unlike other technologies on the market, Z-Wave fulfils the requirements of energy suppliers and smart meter manufacturers while simultaneously offering affordable products to consumers that can be used to make domestic energy consumption transparent and easily manageable.

There are more than 300 Z-Wave certified products on the market, providing an end-to-end solution that allows the homeowner to manage and adjust lighting, thermostats, appliances and other devices to reduce energy consumption and spend.