Importance

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Abstract

A resource management client apparatus (102) comprises an interface to a wide area network (WAN, 106) facilitating connection to a resource management server (104), and at least one communications interface (116, 118) configured to communicate with a plurality of resource monitoring and control devices (120, 122) associated with the resource management client apparatus (102). A secure key interface (128) is configured to receive an electronic access device (130) that securely stores information including at least a unique identifier, resource management server connection data, and one or more encryption keys for encrypting information transmitted between the resource management client apparatus (102) and the resource management server (104). The resource management client apparatus (102) establishes a connection to the resource management server (104) via the WAN (106), using the resource management server connection data stored in the electronic access device (130). It receives status messages from the resource monitoring and control devices (120, 122) via the communications interfaces (116, 118). It also processes received status messages, and encrypts and transmits corresponding status information of the resource monitoring and control devices (120, 122) to the resource management server (104) via the WAN (106). It also receives and decrypts encrypted resource control information from the resource management server (104) via the WAN (106). Furthermore, it processes received resource control information and transmits corresponding control messages to the resource monitoring and control devices (120, 122). The apparatus (102), and associated devices and components, facilitate the provision of a self-configuring universal energy management solution.

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First Claim