Energy management
Significant numbers of energy-consuming devices (e.g. switches, power
outlets, bulbs, televisions, etc.) already integrate Internet
connectivity, which can allow them to communicate with utilities to
balance power generation and energy usage and optimize energy
consumption as a whole. These devices allow for remote control by users,
or central management via a cloud-based interface, and enable functions
like scheduling (e.g., remotely powering on or off heating systems,
controlling ovens, changing lighting conditions etc.). The smart grid is
a utility-side IoT application; systems gather and act on energy and
power-related information to improve the efficiency of the production
and distribution of electricity. Using advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) Internet-connected devices, electric utilities not only collect
data from end-users, but also manage distribution automation devices
like transformers.