Energate Inc. has teamed up with Vancouver's Tantalus Systems to develop a new 'smart' thermostat which will allow utilities to communicate with consumers through the device.

Ottawa-based Energate said it has signed a partnership agreement to further develop a programmable communicating thermostat that combines Energate's smart thermostat technology with a "versatile user interface, real-time communications and customer signalling to deliver co-ordinated action to individual homes or groups of homes" through the Tantalus Utility Network (TUNet).

"Combining Tantalus's leading-edge communications technology with our home energy management solution provides consumers and utilities with a way to co-operate as never before, and have a positive effect on energy usage," said Energate CEO Niraj Bhargava in a statement.

The product features an intuitive console and large LCD panel, and will allow consumers cycle down pre-selected appliances such as an air conditioner, while utilities will be able to adjust price alert levels or offer new programs that reflect changing market conditions and individual cost and comfort preferences.