RETX.COM SELECTS SILICON ENERGY CURTAILMENT MANAGER Software's Access to Real-time Data and Forecasting Via Internet Enhances Load Management Dispatcher
ALAMEDA, Calif., (Aug. 15, 2000) - Retx.com, an online retail energy transaction exchange, has selected Silicon Energy's Curtailment Manager software as part of its Load Management Dispatcher, an application hosting service that allows utilities and energy service providers to manage their distributed generation and dispatch end-use customer load management assets.
Silicon Energy's Curtailment Manager software, which provides real-time web-based notification and tracking of curtailment participation and real-time meter reads, serves as the backbone for energy curtailment activities through Retx.com's Load Management Dispatcher by providing secure two-way Internet communication between Retx.com and its customers. Through a variety of meter data gateways developed by Silicon Energy, Retx.com's system is not dependent on proprietary metering hardware.
Load Management Dispatcher monitors the spot energy market hourly via the Automated Power Exchange (APX) and notifies utility distribution companies and energy service providers of potential economic dispatch opportunities. At the same time, the system simultaneously monitors the end-use customer's energy usage in near real time. Using this meter data along with a database of load management strategies, a utility or energy service provider quickly can decide on a strategy and notify customers via the Internet if the spot market energy price exceeds a mutually agreed upon price point.
Subject to contractual agreements, a customer can then accept or reject a notification for a load reduction or energy curtailment event. By using Curtailment Manager, Retx.com is able to offer customers the ability to download energy use forecasts and monitor how much load they are curtailing during the event to ensure compliance. Load Management Dispatcher also calculates a daily settlement for customers based on individual contracts, customer load management performance and spot market prices. That means that customers can receive daily feedback on their financial position during the curtailment program in which they participated.
Trei Henri, chief technology officer and co-founder of Retx.com, says, "Silicon Energy's Curtailment Manager technology stands out because it offers Web-based notification/acceptance of curtailment events, real-time access to meter data and energy forecasting capabilities. Most companies underestimate the complexity of getting meter data into a centralized, manageable environment. Silicon Energy's understanding of this is what sets them apart."
Retx.com customers also use the Load Management Dispatcher to facilitate economic dispatch of distributed generation. "Today, a lot of end-user commercial and industrial customers with distributed generation assets on site don't have the incentive to participate in curtailment because they don't have visibility and the ability to respond to market pricing signals," Henri added. "Currently, these distributed generation assets are more or less stranded unless there is a power outage or low voltage event. Load Management Dispatcher changes this."
According to John Woolard, chief executive of Silicon Energy, "Retx.com has strong ties with many utilities and energy service providers around the country. Retx.com's offerings are helping large commercial and industrial customers realize that they can control their energy expenses and usage without the fear of price volatility. We see that Retx.com's use of Curtailment Manager further solidifies and strengthens our position as the industry leader in Enterprise Energy Management (EEM) offerings."
About Retx.com Retx.com, founded in 1998, works with electric and gas distribution utilities and retail energy service providers that have or will deregulate or unbundle their energy services. The Atlanta-based company provides these companies with fully integrated and secure Web-based clearinghouse services customized for each company, including customer enrollment, meter information management, retail settlements, curtailment management, performing compliance responses, assisting with audit capability and more. Retx.com also works with energy companies to plan and prepare for customer choice in future deregulating marketplaces. Its Web site can be found at <http://www.retx.com>.
About Silicon Energy Silicon Energy Corporation, a global leader in Enterprise Energy Management solutions, is a privately held technology company based in Alameda, Calif. Silicon Energy's product suite is a powerful business-to-business EEM application that reduces energy use by optimizing energy management and procurement across an enterprise. Silicon Energy allows real-time assessment and intelligent control over enterprise-wide energy usage as well as comprehensive reporting and monitoring capabilities through a Web browser. In addition to its software, Silicon Energy hosts Application Service Provider (ASP)-based energy management services that are more cost effective and quick to deploy for utilities and enterprises. Silicon Energy also offers professional services designed to provide ongoing support to its installed base. For more information visit http://www.siliconenergy.com.
Editorial Contacts: Michelle Schofield Jonathan Rhudy George Mason
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