Background

Horizon Technologies designs, develops, integrates and consults on home automation 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, Advanced Meters, Smart Meters and Green 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.

Manufacturers

Horizon Technologies provides consulting services for manufacturers to incorporate 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

Utilities

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

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

Government Agencies

Horizon Technologies works 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)

Developers, architects and builders

Horizon Technologies works with developers, architects, electrical contractors and builders to consult, customize and construct homes utilizing Home Automation and Home Networking systems.   Some key projects include:

• Cortez Energy Efficient Homes
• Harris Challenge
• Richard Kadulski, architect
• Huron Street Management
• MC2 Power

Awards

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

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

Committees

Ludo Bertsch's committee and society participation include:

• BC Hydro's Rates Working Group
• BC Hydro's Conservation Research Initiative - Residential Time of Use Pilot Working Group
• ESVI Energy Solutions for Vancouver Island Society
• CABA (chair of Standards Committee)
• IEC/ISO JTC1 SC25 WG1 (International Home Automation)
• CEBus Standards Development Committee
• Green Victoria Challenge Society
• B.C. Advanced House Technology Committee