We presented evidence on how color can convey information in Part 1 of our ambient devices article. We now will discuss how ambient devices are used in Utility Demand Response Programs and how you can use them if there's no program where you live.

Ambient Energy Orbs used in Demand Response Programs
Ambient Devices Inc's products are used in Demand Response and Advanced Metering Programs. They're just called Energy Orbs and are programmed to get information from your utility on electric prices and demand.

During the summer, an Energy Orb might be green in the morning and signify that your utility is meeting its demand for electricity. As the day goes on and demand increases, the Energy Orb may change to orange and then red. Clearly when it's red, it means that your utility is having difficulty meeting demand and that electricity prices are higher. That's your signal to do something like:

• Turning off lights and appliances,
• Closing the shades or drapes,
• Postpone running the dishwasher or clothes dryer or
• Adjusting the thermostat on your air conditioner higher.

The object here is to get the Energy Orb to glow green or at least orange as a result of the above actions and others.

California residential customers actually reduced their electricity consumption by 40 percent when Energy Orbs were installed by Southern California Edison. Other utilities that are using the Energy Orb are Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, WPS, Consumer Powerline and EnerNoc. You can contact these companies directly and talk to them about an Energy Orb. Unfortunately, according to Ambient Devices Inc., you can't buy an Energy Orb without going through your utility company.

Weather Orbs and Weather Beacons for the rest of us
You can still use an ambient device if your utility company does not have a demand response program or enrollment is closed. The key difference is that the ambient orb will be receiving weather information instead of electricity price information from your utility. These devices are called Weather Orbs or Weather Beacons, instead of Energy Orbs. They change color with air temperature and work just like the Energy Orb in terms of conveying information to you.

The weather, specifically temperature, is a good proxy for how much electricity consumers will use. Because electricity generation varies throughout the year, electric and natural gas utilities focus on the weather to estimate how much energy will be required the next day or during the entire week.

Air temperature is also a good way to estimate electricity or natural gas price movements. As it gets hotter during the summer and we turn on our air conditioners, our utility has to call up more expensive power plants to meet the increased demand for power. This means higher electricity prices. Just the opposite is true in winter for natural gas.

We can use an Ambient Weather Orb or Weather Beacons to our advantage just as people who use Energy Orbs in Demand Response Programs. Of course you won't know the exact effect of your actions to conserve electricity like you can with the Energy Orb. However, you will reduce your electric bill, delay the operation of more expensive power plants and reduce stress on the electric grid and the environment.

Energy Conservation can be fun

Ambient Devices offers several products that will help you reduce your energy bills and protect the nation's electric grid and environment. The orbs or beacons are attractive and can be set up anywhere in your house, kitchen, living room or family room. It is definitely a conversation piece.

Keep in mind though that the Ambient Orb is called by a variety of names depending on what it does- Stock Market Orb, Weather Orb, Pollen Orb. It makes an ideal gift for that person who likes technology. Before buying any Ambient Weather Devices, check to see if you have weather coverage in your area. Finally there is also a 5 day weather forecaster that has a LCD display.

Features of the Ambient Orb

1. Works right out of the box with absolutely no configuration necessary. Just plug it into a power outlet to track the Dow Jones Industrial Average (it's called the Stock Orb),
2. The Stock Orb can also track Weather Forecasts, Pollen Forecasts and Web Traffic. You have to program it to do weather,
3. Data is updated continuously via wireless network. No PC or Internet account required, and
4. The orb or beacon is has a French-made frosted glass housing and bright, long-life LEDs glow millions of colors.

If you want to learn more about Ambient Devices, see the video below and our other energy articles under related topics.

Ambient Devices Video