An IBM report recently described the evolution of the utility industry as heading towards a participatory network, where energy responsibility is shared by both company and customer. OpenPeak, Inc. just debuted an all-in-one touchscreen device that could meet growing consumer needs as the smart grid horizon approaches.

The company's Home Energy Management Solution (HEMS) will display real-time usage and price information, as well as offer a new degree of control for consumers. As demand response programs gain awareness, households can turn off unused lighting, heating or cooling.

Users will also be able to take advantage of lower off-peak pricing.

This device is not only limited to efficiency, and has entertainment as well as social functions. It promises downloadable content, with additional weather, music or calendaring software.

The product is meant to work alongside the OpenPeak OpenFrame system, a multimedia IP phone. The HEMS is the company's first foray into energy efficiency.

One of the concerning smart grid issues is a viable communication standards. The OpenPeak platform is designed to be compatible with Wi-Fi and a number of other standards, including the popular ZigBee.

OpenPeak is one of the first devices to appear, and it may be tapping into a new product market-- one that has previously been inaccessible for the majority of homeowners.

Research in the IBM study also highlighted that devices that link energy usage with social networking is "particularly appealing to the habits of the Millenial Generation." The report also suggests that this generation is well-prepared to receive participatory network tools.