Background

Horizon Technologies designs, develops, integrates and consults on Smart Grid and energy-efficiency related systems for prominent manufacturers, utilities, government agencies and developers, architects, builders.

Ludo Bertsch, P.Eng has been the driving force behind this company which creates solutions that enable increased energy efficiency while increasing the livability of the home.

Horizon Technologies has also participated as an Intervenor in electrical utility regulatory hearings dealing primarily with Energy Efficiency, Demand Side Management, Demand Response, Advanced Meters, Smart Meters and Distributed Generation.

Horizon Technologies and Ludo Bertsch have won several awards for the work that they have done. Ludo Bertsch is well recognized in the Home Automation, Energy Efficiency and Home Networking fields.

Industry Involvement

Ludo Bertsch's industry involvement, e.g. committee, society, project participation include:

Current and Past
• oBix Technical Committee
• Standards Council of Canada CNC/IEC Smart Grid Task Force
• Chair of Canadian Advisory Committee for IEC/ISO JTC1 SC25 (Interconnection of Information Technologies)
• Working Canadian expert in IEC/ISO JTC1 SC25 WG1 (Home Electronic Systems)
• Intervener for ESVI Energy Solutions for Vancouver Island Society
• Smart Home/Smart Grid partner in Solar Colwood
• BC Hydro's Conservation Research Initiative - Residential Time of Use Pilot Working Group
• BC Hydro's Rates Working Group
• CEBus Standards Development Committee
• CABA (chair of Standards Committee)
• Green Victoria Challenge Society
• B.C. Advanced House Technology Committee

Manufacturers

Horizon Technologies provides consulting services for manufacturers to incorporate Smart Home, Home Automation and Home Networking into their product lines.  Some manufacturers include:

• Sony - TV that uses graphical icons interface to control homes devices
• General Electric (GE) - Dishwasher that operates remotely (e.g. used in load shedding)
• Johnson Controls - Thermostats for controlling multi-zone HVAC systems
• Landis & Gyr - Interfaces to thermostats
• Others . . .

Utilities

Horizon Technologies assists utilities to incorporate Home Automation, Home Networking, Smart Meters, Smart Grid, Demand Side Management and energy efficiency strategies. In addition, Horizon represent groups as an Intervenor in utility regulatory hearings. Utilities include:

• BC Hydro
• Hydro Quebec
• Fortis BC
• BCTC
• BC Gas
• Centra Gas
• BC Tel (now Telus)
• Ontario Hydro

Government Agencies

Horizon Technologies has worked with government agencies to develop and consult on Home Automation, Energy Efficiency and Home Networking.  These include:

• B.C. Ministry of Energy Mines and Resources
• CANMET (Energy Mines and Resources Canada)
• Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
• National Research Council (NRC)

Awards

Horizon Technologies and Ludo Bertsch, P.Eng have received numerous awards.  These include:

• Smart Grid Canada
• CABA (Continental Automated Buildings Association)
• CANMET (NRCan), BC Advanced House
• Hometeam Project (The Bright Home)
• Victoria Power Smart Challenge (Technology committee)