G.hn Approved by NIST for Use in Smart Grid Applications

BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - September 28, 2009) - HomeGrid Forum, a global, non-profit trade group promoting International Telecommunication Union's Standardization Sector (ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation wired home networking, today announced that G.hn technology has been approved for use in Smart Grid applications by the National Institute Standards Technologies (NIST). G.hn is the next-generation wired networking standard developed by the United Nation's ITU-T that supports high-speed communication over power lines, phone lines, and coaxial cable.

Additionally, HomeGrid Forum solidified its commitment to the Smart Grid initiative today by forming a working group within the organization to focus on Smart Grid applications. By working with its member companies, HomeGrid Forum will help bring a range of G.hn-based devices to market that are compliant with the requirements for deployment in Smart Grid and home energy management applications.

"G.hn is a next generation wired networking standard and as such it delivers higher performance, seamless connectivity and power efficiency," said Matt Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. "The G.hn standard includes significant provisions for power management, including sleep modes that will enable devices based on G.hn technology to meet power efficiency standards such as the European Code of Conduct on 'Energy Consumption of Broadband Communication Equipment,' regulations such as the European Commission Regulation 1275/2008 and other requirements of the Smart Grid industry."

Most devices that consume or monitor energy and that are connected to AC power can benefit from G.hn technology. Examples include smart electricity meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, lightning systems, TVs, and other devices. G.hn can also be used to establish a secure communication channel between Plug-in Electrical Vehicles (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) found in distributed charging stations.

In addition to energy efficiency, the G.hn standard is aimed to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax cable, phone, and power lines. With it, ITU enables service providers to deploy new offerings including IPTV more cost effectively; allows consumer electronics manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house; and greatly simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.

About HomeGrid Forum

HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with complementary industry alliances. To learn more about becoming a HomeGrid member, please visit www.HomeGridForum.org/join.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Layla McHale McHale Communications for HomeGrid Forum 408.981.6394