Premises power usage monitoring system
A control system ( 300 ) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system ( 300 ) includes a number of smart receptacles ( 302 ) that communicate with a local controller ( 304 ), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller ( 304 ), in turn, communicates with a remote controller ( 308 ) via the internet.
1. An apparatus for use in supplying electricity to one or more electrical devices, comprising:
a standard outlet receptacle for receiving a plug for powering said one or more electrical devices; and
a receptacle controller, disposed proximate to said standard outlet receptacle, for controlling operation of said standard outlet receptacle, said receptacle controller including a TCP/IP module for enabling communication between said receptacle controller and an external control system in accordance with the TCP/IP protocol, wherein said standard outlet receptacle is associated with an outlet housing and said receptacle controller is disposed within said outlet housing.
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said standard outlet receptacle is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) or other standard outlet receptacle.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said communication is transmitted via a power line.
4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 , further comprising a local controller is operative for transferring said communication between said power line and a Wide Area Network (WAN).