Programmable Communicating Thermostat

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The term Programmable Communicating Thermostat (PCT) is used by the California Energy Commission to describe programmable thermostats that can receive information wirelessly.

The first version of the PCT introduced in the 2008 building standards proceeding also required that PCTs allow temperature control during emergency events to avoid blackouts. This feature was removed after public input indicated a strong fear of the non-overrideable "Big Brother" feel of this feature.

A talk at the S4 SCADA security conference in January 2008 indicated they were going to have a complex public key encryption scheme as part of the specification. Essentially each thermostat would come with a 160 bit random number, which the installer would read to someone at the Operator, who would then send the thermostat (over broadcast radio) the Operator's public key. That way only the Operator or Owner (Utility) could turn off your air conditioner. Other things discussed were the possibility of a house wireless network so your fridge, hot tub, etc. were also under the Utility's control, and a mesh network between houses.