Matter and OpenADR team up to connect smart homes to the grid

Source: The Verge

Overview

Smart energy management just took a step closer to becoming simpler. This week, the organizations behind Matter, the smart‑home interoperability standard, and OpenADR, the protocol that sends signals between the grid and the home, announced an agreement to work together. The collaboration aims to make it easier for connected appliances to participate in demand‑response (DR) programs and, hopefully, save consumers money.

Demand Response Programs

In demand‑response programs, a customer agrees to reduce or shift their electrical usage in exchange for utility bill credits or other incentives. By integrating Matter’s device‑level interoperability with OpenADR’s grid‑to‑home signaling, appliances can more seamlessly respond to DR events.

Collaboration Details

• Matter is governed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
• OpenADR is overseen by the nonprofit OpenADR Alliance.
• The two alliances have signed an agreement to align their specifications, enabling Matter‑compatible devices to receive OpenADR signals directly.

Implications for Consumers

• Simplified Setup: Homeowners won’t need separate hubs or proprietary apps to enroll devices in DR programs.
• Broader Compatibility: A wider range of smart appliances—from thermostats to water heaters—can participate.
• Potential Savings: Automated participation can lead to utility bill credits without manual intervention.

Read the full story at The Verge.