The 2025 International Builder’s Show (IBS 2025) has officially kicked off, and home energy is on the menu this year, especially for companies like Schneider Electric. Joining its previous home energy solutions the company announced the new Smart Power Manager feature for its Square D QO Smart Panel solution while at IBS 2025.
Why It’s Important
As more consumers shift away from fossil fuels, the demand for electric power in homes is expected to increase by up to 15% in 2025. Powering these larger electric loads simultaneously can exceed current capacity in many homes traditionally triggering the need for a utility service upgrade which can cost thousands, not to mention the cost that might be incurred from rising utility prices.
Richard Korthauer, Senior Vice President, Home & Distribution, Schneider Electric, says, “As the shift to a more electrical home continues, builders, electricians, and installers are looking for new solutions to address the growing energy demand in both new and existing homes, while avoiding the traditional 400 amp utility service upgrade that we’re told can add as much as $17,000 in builder development costs per home.”
How Smart Power Manager Works
Leveraging software to more intelligently use its hardware, the Smart Power Manager allows for larger loads to be added to home electrical systems, similar to the recently announced smart panel solutions from SPAN. The trick, according to Schneider, is its ability to shed loads. When a service has reached capacity, controllable loads within the system will be shed, keeping energy usage under the limit when pulling power from a home battery or the grid.
- Installers can prioritize which loads are turned off first via the Schneider Home app, or let the system identify overages and decide when best to reduce them.
- The system is also modular, with control being placed on the circuits where functionality is needed while also being effective in the main and sub-panel.
Recap on the Square D QO Smart Panel
The QO Smart Panel Solution is a modular, flexible offer developed to add smart panel functionality to standard home electrical systems nationwide.
The solution itself is made up of the Square D QO Plug-on Neutral main or sub electrical panel, Square D Control Relays, and the Schneider Energy Monitor and is intended to open up app-based control of a home’s electrical systems while providing insights into home energy usage down to individual circuits. It also comes with a Smart Power Manager feature that is designed manage current usage on a grid more efficiently to avoid costly utility service upgrades.
Where to Find It at IBS 2025
For more information on Smart Power Manager, the QO Smart Panel Solution, and other residential products, attendees are instructed to stop by the Schneider Electric Booth – #W4209 – at the International Builders Show or visit www.se.com/US.
