Jeff Hendler, CEO of Logical Buildings, has represented Logical Buildings as Innovation Member of the Smart Cities Council and is currently Board Member of the Green Button Alliance. He also serves on the executive committee of the National Energy Marketers Association, as their Smart Grid Committee Chairman. In addition, he is an active voting member of the NYISO and PJM wholesale power grids. He also represents the company as a member of the Consumer Electronics Association, NY Battery Energy Storage, and Clean Energy Business Network. Jeff is an acting advisor/member of the Wharton Energy Network, and a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.

Jeff will join Parks Associates at the Smart Energy Summit at DISTRIBUTECH February 27-28, 2024. He will be sharing his industry insights on the panel: Multifamily Residences: Energy Management at Scale. 

Here are some of Hendler's highlighted insights:

Strategic Vision: How does your company plan to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) into home energy management systems, and what is the strategic vision for this integration?
Our company plans to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) into home energy management systems through strategic partnerships with utilities, leading consumer electronics companies, and broadband providers. Collaborations with utilities enabling Green Button Connect data, Samsung SmartThings, and Comcast Smart Solutions facilitate the seamless interaction of smart home appliances and broadband connectivity, respectively. Battery storage is a key focus, providing a solution to monetize energy loads from electrified homes. The vision is to create an intelligent and sustainable ecosystem, empowering homeowners to optimize energy usage and contribute to a resilient energy future, while gaining financial incentives.

Consumer Benefits: In what ways do your in-home energy efficiency programs benefit consumers directly, especially in terms of cost savings and environmental impact?
Our in-home energy efficiency programs directly benefit consumers by significantly lowering energy costs through optimized usage. Additionally, participants can earn money by contributing to grid stability during peak demand. Simultaneously, these initiatives actively reduce carbon footprint in residential spaces, helping renters and homeowners play a part in decarbonization efforts.

Technology Implementation: What emerging technologies are you currently focusing on to enhance home energy management and energy efficiency?
Our current focus on enhancing home energy management and efficiency revolves around key emerging technologies:

• Smart Thermostats: Enabling precise climate control for optimized energy consumption.
• Smart Appliances: Integrating sensors and connectivity for automated, energy-efficient household tasks.
• EV Charging Management: Streamlining electric vehicle charging to balance grid demand and utilize off-peak rates.
• Battery Storage: Implementing solutions to store and utilize excess energy, enhancing overall system efficiency.

These technologies collectively empower homeowners with efficient tools for sustainable and environmentally conscious living.

Regulatory Challenges: How do regulatory policies affect the deployment and adoption of distributed energy resources in residential areas?
Regulatory policies significantly impact the deployment and adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) in residential areas. The endorsement of Green Button Connect protocols by Department of Energy (DOE) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) emphasizes the importance of specific regulatory measures. These policies focus on standardization, transparency, grid integration, incentives, competition, and compliance. These are key drivers for the successful deployment and adoption of DERs in residential areas. The endorsement of specific protocols reflects the importance of a coordinated and standardized approach.

Customer Engagement: What strategies does your company use to engage and educate homeowners about the benefits and operation of home energy management systems?
To engage and educate homeowners about home energy management systems, our company employs a gamified mobile app called GridRewards. It features interactive learning, a reward system that utilizes real money, community engagement, and regular updates. These features ensure an enjoyable learning experience, fostering a community of informed and motivated homeowners actively working to help the environment.

Future Trends: What do you see as the key trends and challenges in the next 5-10 years for home energy management and distributed energy resources?
The next 5-10 years in home energy management and distributed energy resources (DERs) will see trends such as increased electrification of homes, integration of renewable energy, and widespread adoption of onsite battery storage. Challenges include simplifying integration at lower costs, optimizing the use of grid services, and ensuring financial benefits for energy transition investments. Efforts will focus on standardizing solutions, promoting interoperability, and designing effective financial incentives from federal and state programs to drive adoption and support a cleaner, more resilient energy future.