Direct Energy Launches Partnership to Bring "Smart Home" to Energy Customers

Direct Energy has launched a partnership with SmartThings to bring a "smarter" and connected home to energy customers in Texas.

Direct Energy will offer customers Smart Home Starter Kits from SmartThings that include a Hub and a number of sensors and controllable devices focused on energy management, basic home security, and home automation, such as smart power outlets, motion sensors, and open/close sensors. These smart devices communicate with each other inside the home and connect with the homeowners' smart devices through the SmartThings mobile app, allowing the homeowner to set context-sensitive, "if this, then that" home automation rules and stay connected with their home and family from anywhere, anytime.

For a limited time, new and existing customers in Texas enrolling in any of the fixed-term energy plans from Direct Energy and Bounce Energy will receive a free SmartThings Starter Kit.

Under the SmartThings system:

• The Hub lets customers connect and control compatible smart devices like connected lights and locks.

• The SmartSense Open/Closed sensor tells customers when certain doors, windows, and drawers have been opened or closed

• The SmartSense Motion Sensor can help customers detect motion to manage your home security and automatically switch lights on and off when people enter and leave rooms

• The SmartSense Presence Sensor sends notifications that keep customers aware of the location of their family and pets

• The SmartPower Plug-and-Control Outlet gives customers control over appliances, electronics, lights, and other plugged-in devices on your terms

SmartThings is compatible with hundreds of smart devices from a variety of manufacturers, and customers can add many other popular smart devices like smart lighting, locks, smart switches, thermostats, video cameras, leak detectors, and garage door openers to create a fully connected home. There are no contracts or installation costs; customers will be able to follow simple setup instructions that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes