Energate Inc.'s 'smart thermostat' has earned certification with a new smart energy alliance, allowing the Ottawa-based company's product to work with other energy-saving grid technology companies.

The company said its Pioneer Z100 smart thermostat has earned the ZigBee Smart Energy certification, making it one of the first home energy management companies to obtain compliance with the ZigBee Alliance, which includes makers of wirelessly networked monitoring and control products.

The certification means Energate's product is interoperable with ZigBee-enabled advanced metering infrastructure, demand response systems and other compliant home energy management solutions.

"We're in the midst of an exciting and significant change in the industry as a growing number of utilities roll out smart grid technology. Given the range and sophistication of this technology, it is critical that we help develop and embrace industry standards to ensure security and interoperability," said Energate chief technology officer Jorge Deligiannis in a statement. "Our ZigBee-certified Pioneer smart thermostat provides seamless two-way communication, allowing utilities to monitor and manage energy use while giving consumers the tools they need to improve their own energy-use practices."

Energate's smart thermostats include a capability for wireless communication with utility companies, and allow consumers to manage energy consumption using automation and near-real-time information.