Smart Meter Momentum in Europe Gives Z-Wave a Running Start in the U.S.

(Marketwire - June 2, 2009)- The Z-Wave Alliance has extended its position in the rapidly growing global smart meter market. Manufacturers in Europe have recognized the considerable potential of the Z-Wave Advanced Energy Control (AEC) Framework and are using the technology for smart metering solutions, such as:

--  UK-based advanced metering equipment manufacturer, Horstmann, has
   already produced smart meters for the European market, with its H-series
   and SG-series product lines. The combination electricity and gas meters
   feature displays that provide consumers with an overview of their hourly,
   daily and monthly energy consumption. The SG-series uses GSM/GPRS to
   transmit data to the energy supplier for an improved and transparent
   billing process.
--  Kamstrup, a leading global manufacturer of system solutions for energy
    metering, plans to integrate Z-Wave technology into its metering modules
   during the second quarter of 2009, allowing the meters to transmit
   consumption data to smart energy displays, home control centers and
   utilities.
--  Danish energy supplier Modstrøem, which has been providing an
   innovative solution for reducing electricity costs since 2008, uses Z-Wave
   to provide active assistance to its customers in their efforts to reduce
   energy consumption. The savings made can then be either credited to the
   household or invested in CO2 certificates.
   

"As the building of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the U.S. accelerates with the availability of federal stimulus funds, Z-Wave is well positioned to play a leading role given its success overseas," said Bill Ablondi, director of Home Systems research with Parks Associates.

The Z-Wave AEC framework allows energy suppliers and smart meter manufacturers to develop an intelligent and advanced domestic energy management system that is designed to help homeowners better understand and manage their home energy use. According to a recent study from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), fifty-six percent of consumers show interest in "smart energy meters" that provide information on optimum times to run appliances for utility bill savings. Unlike other technologies on the market, Z-Wave fulfils the requirements of energy suppliers and smart meter manufacturers while simultaneously offering affordable products to consumers that can be used to make domestic energy consumption transparent and easily manageable.

There are more than 300 Z-Wave certified products on the market, providing an end-to-end solution that allows the homeowner to manage and adjust lighting, thermostats, appliances and other devices to reduce energy consumption and spend.

"With the Obama administration calling for massive investment in and stimulus funding for energy saving technologies, smart meters are becoming more than a buzz word and Z-Wave's success in the European smart meter market with the likes of Modstrøem, Horstmann and Kamstrup gives it a significant competitive advantage as energy conservation and management takes center stage in the U.S.," stated Ken Lowe, EVP Strategy at Sigma Designs.

About Z-Wave

Z-Wave is an award-winning, proven and interoperable wireless mesh networking technology that allows a wide array of devices in and around the home to communicate including lighting, appliances, HVAC, entertainment centers and security systems. Z-Wave brings many benefits to everyday life including remote home monitoring, home healthcare, safety and security, and energy conservation. Z-Wave certified products are currently available from leading consumer brands in more than 300 products. Z-Wave is the recipient of the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award in the wireless category, the CNET "Best of CES Award" in the enabling technologies category, along with PC World's World Class Award. For more information about Z-Wave, please visit www.z-wave.com.

About the Z-Wave Alliance

Formed in January 2005, the Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of leading companies in the home technology space dedicated to solidifying Z-Wave as the standard for wireless home control products. The principal members include Cooper Wiring Devices, Danfoss, FAKRO, Ingersoll-Rand Leviton, Sigma Designs, Wayne-Dalton, and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI). Its members lead the home controls market, providing leading edge products and systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, energy conservation, safety and security. Z-Wave technology is the foundation of all products manufactured by the Alliance members. For more information about the Z-Wave Alliance, visit www.zwavealliance.org.

Z-Wave® is a registered trademark of Sigma Designs, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

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