Homey Unveils New Energy Management Features and Dongle for Smart Homes

Homey Introduces Innovative Energy Management System

Smart home company Homey has recently launched an exciting new feature: an energy management tab in its app. This addition allows users to effectively track and monitor energy consumption from various compatible smart devices, including plugs, appliances, thermostats, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

New Hardware: The Homey Energy Dongle

In conjunction with the app update, Homey also announced the Homey Energy Dongle for European users. This innovative hardware connects directly to a smart meter, facilitating real-time monitoring of a home's energy consumption. This combination of software and hardware marks a significant step toward a comprehensive home energy management system.

Future Developments: Dynamic Energy Pricing

Looking ahead, Homey plans to introduce support for automatic dynamic energy pricing later in the upcoming year. This feature would enable users to set automations, such as charging their EVs during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Availability and Compatibility

The new energy management tab is currently available in public beta for all Homey Pro and Homey Cloud users. The Homey Energy Dongle can be preordered at an attractive price of €39 in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and more. Shipment is expected by March 2025.

Connecting Devices with Homey

Homey operates as a smart home platform through two primary hubs: the powerful Homey Pro ($399) and the more streamlined Homey Bridge ($69). They can seamlessly connect and control a vast array of smart home devices through various protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, and IR. There is also support for cloud-based connections and compatibility with bridges like Philips Hue.

Comprehensive Energy Tracking Features

The new energy tab within the Homey app showcases live tracking of electricity, gas, and water usage (when compatible hardware is available). Users will benefit from:

• Historical usage data
• Solar generation tracking
• Monitoring EV charging
• Energy supply and consumption analytics
• Insights into top energy consumers

Enter energy pricing within the app to receive accurate cost estimates. Homey is keen on incorporating dynamic pricing features soon, allowing users to keep track of fluctuations in energy costs.

Parent Company LG's Vision

This year, LG acquired Homey and plans to merge its connectivity features into the ThinQ platform. However, Homey will continue to operate independently while looking forward to integrating LG’s smart appliances in the future.

The Importance of Energy Management in Smart Homes

Energy management technology plays a pivotal role in the landscape of smart homes. It provides compelling reasons to integrate all devices within a home ecosystem. Automated systems that optimize energy consumption can lead to substantial savings on utility bills. Other companies like Samsung with its SmartThings Energy platform and Apple with its recent electricity usage upgrades are making strides in this area as well.

The Future of Energy Management Technology

The integration of energy management into the new Matter smart home standard highlights the accelerated momentum in the home energy sector. With the introduction of significant new features, Homey is positioned as a formidable choice for users aiming to enhance their energy efficiency and lower costs using smart home technology.