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Appliance manufacturers across America are working with utilities companies to develop a smart grid. Now Electrolux initiates a similar project in Europe. In the project, households are testing a system for smart appliances that automatically detect and avoid consumption during peak periods of the day.

In order to bring forward a European standard for smart grids, Electrolux in autumn 2009 signed an agreement with Italian partners energy provider Enel and broadband network provider Telecom Italia. This is an important first step for the application to spread widely in European homes in the future. The trial phase will run over 2010, and involve selected households throughout Italy.

The system also provides users with information on their power consumption directly on their computer, cell phone or on the display of the appliance itself. With easy access to information on consumption and the ability to download customized programs to help save energy, consumers will be able to use their appliances in a smart way. This will enhance the efficiency of the entire system. The residential sector consumes approximately one third of all electricity consumed in the EU, and large household appliances consume approximately one third of all residential electricity.

During the trial phase, the partners will contribute with its most innovative high-tech solutions. Enel will provide its remote meter management system and applications, modified to connect telecom infrastructure with household appliances. Telecom Italia will provide its broadband network platform so household appliances can "talk" to Enel's equipment.

Electrolux will contribute with prototypes of smart appliances and applications

If the program is successful, Electrolux will roll out to other countries.

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