The good news keeps flowing for companies advancing in the smart grid market. 

HomeGrid Forum, a non-profit trade group promoting International Telecommunication Union's Standardization Sector, or “ITU-T,” G.hn standardization efforts for next-generation wired home networking received approval for a new smart grid-focused venture.

The National Institute Standards Technologies, or “NIST,” approved the company’s G.hn technology for use in various smart grid applications. 

G.hn technology, the next generation wired networking standard developed by the United Nation’s ITU-I, supports high-speed communication over power lines, phone lines and coaxial cable. 

Matt Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum, said that the G.hn delivers higher performance, connectivity and power efficiency that other next generation wired networking systems.

With this approval, HomeGrid Forum formed a smart grid initiative group within the organizations to focus on this specific smart grid application, which will help to bring a range of G.hn-based devices to the smart grid market and home energy management applications. 

Additionally, Theall said that the G.hn standard includes significant provisions for power management, including sleep modes that will enable devices based on G.hn technology to meet power efficiency standards.

So, how can G.hn technology benefit the smart grid movement?

According to HomeGrid Forum, devices that consume or monitor energy and that are connected to AC power can benefit from G.hn technology.

Smart electricity meters and thermometers, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances and lighting systems are all influenced by G.hn technology, and its new approval will increase the capabilities of these appliances in the smart market.

In addition to energy efficiency, the G.hn standard is aimed to deliver a single unified technology for the wired home network that addresses key issues for service providers, electronics manufacturers, and consumers alike.