SAN RAMON, California and BRUSSELS, May 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- ZigBee Smart Energy is the first open industry standard endorsed by 
ESMIG

The ZigBee(R) Alliance, and the European Smart Metering Industry Group
(ESMIG), are working together to define interoperable communications
standards for smart metering technology across the European Union (EU). The
ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile is the first open standard to
be endorsed by ESMIG. The ZigBee Alliance is a global ecosystem of companies
creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial and
consumer applications, and ESMIG is the organization for smart metering in
Europe.

ESMIG members determined that the ZigBee Alliance and its ZigBee Smart
Energy provide a solid, open standards approach to smart metering
communication. ESMIG provides impartial expertise to key stakeholders
including EU institutions, EU Member State governments, authorities,
regulators, electric, gas and water utility providers on all aspects related
to Smart Metering. The ZigBee Alliance and ESMIG will collaborate and
identify where ZigBee Smart Energy can be rolled out across the 27 Member
States of the EU. The two organizations will evaluate ways to maximize the
benefits of a standardized smart metering program for consumers, utility
service providers and the environment.

"The ZigBee Alliance is both a valuable and experienced partner who can
provide ESMIG with expertise and solutions for smart metering in Europe,"
said Dr. Howard Porter, managing director at ESMIG. "ESMIG believes that a
handful of proven and open standards, like ZigBee Smart Energy, will play a
key role in EU smart metering projects because they deliver the most value
for all parties, and allow utility service providers with flexibility in
choosing standards that fit their specific requirements."

There are an estimated 2,000 electric, water and gas utility service
providers in the EU. Each has unique needs that will require standardized
approaches to deliver the numerous efficiency, cost savings and environmental
benefits expected from smart metering.

"ESMIG is working to speed the adoption of smart metering in Europe and
ZigBee Smart Energy can play a strong role in helping Europe achieve its
smart metering goals today," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance.
"ZigBee Smart Energy was designed to work in any country. It provides a
standardized approach that can reduce implementation costs as well as the
flexibility for customization by utilities."

ZigBee Smart Energy - The Standard for Energy Management and Efficiency

ZigBee Smart Energy enables wireless communication between utility
companies and common household devices such as smart thermostats and
appliances. It improves energy efficiency by allowing consumers to choose
interoperable products from different manufacturers giving them the means to
manage their energy consumption more precisely using automation and near
real-time information. It also helps utility companies implement new advanced
metering and demand response programs to drive greater energy management and
efficiency, while responding to changing government requirements.

About ESMIG

ESMIG covers all aspects of Smart Metering, including electricity, gas,
water, and heat measurement. Member companies cover the entire value chain
from meter manufacturing, software, installation, consulting, to
communications and system integration. By giving support to European Union
Institutions and Member State governments the industry group aims to assist
in the development of national and European-wide introduction, rollout and
management of Smart Metering solutions. ESMIG membership is open to any
company supplying utility metering products or services within Europe. For
more information and membership details visit: www.esmig.eu.

ZigBee: Control your world

ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different
devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a
non-profit association of more than 300 member companies driving development
of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of
ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for
use in consumer electronic, energy, home, commercial and industrial areas.
For more information, visit: www.ZigBee.org.