DESNZ Smart Energy Home

Transforming Smart Home Energy

Our Role in the DESNZ Smart Energy

Mar 20, 2025

by Joe Nicholson

Managing Director & Founder
The future of smart home energy is being shaped right here in the UK, and we’re proud to be part of it. Rufilla is collaborating with industry leaders including Octopus Energy and Silicon Labs on a groundbreaking Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) project that’s set to revolutionise how we connect and control smart devices in our homes.

The Challenge

Current smart home devices typically rely on Wi-Fi networks and various cloud services, creating potential security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns. As our homes become increasingly connected, we need a more secure, standardised way to manage these devices – especially when it comes to energy management.

The Innovation

Working alongside Octopus Energy and other partners, we’re developing a solution that leverages the existing smart meter infrastructure to create a more secure and reliable IoT network. This isn’t just another smart home product – it’s a fundamental shift in how we think about connected device infrastructure.

Key Features:

Direct connection to the smart meter network
Real-time environmental monitoring
Secure data transmission
Integrated control systems
Privacy-first design

Why This Matters

This project represents a significant step forward in smart home technology for several reasons:

Our Empowerment Principles:

  1. Security
    • Bypassing traditional home networks reduces vulnerability points
    • Certified Product Assurance (CPA) security certification
    • Standardised security protocols
  2. Accessibility
    • No dependence on home Wi-Fi
    • Works in areas with poor internet connectivity
    • Ideal for new build properties
  3. Integration
    • Seamless connection with smart meter systems
    • Real-time data visibility in existing apps
    • Simplified user experience

Our Role

At Rufilla, we’re bringing our expertise in embedded Linux systems and IoT security to:

Develop secure hardware platforms
Create robust communication protocols
Implement over-the-air update capabilities
Ensure scalable manufacturing processes

Looking to the Future

This project isn’t just about creating another smart device – it’s about building infrastructure for the future of home energy management. Imagine a world where your smart devices communicate securely over a dedicated network, working together to optimise your energy usage while maintaining your privacy.

The implications extend beyond just energy monitoring. This technology could revolutionise how we think about:

Home automation
Energy efficiency
Device security
Smart grid integration
Carbon reduction

Partners in Innovation

Working alongside partners like Silicon Labs, NCC Group, and Arista, we’re proving that collaboration is key to solving complex challenges. Each partner brings unique expertise:

Octopus Energy: Energy market innovation and customer experience
Silicon Labs: Advanced semiconductor solutions
NCC Group: Security verification
Arista: Manufacturing excellence

What’s Next

As this project progresses, we’re excited about the possibilities it opens up for smart home technology. The potential for secure, standardised IoT communication over the smart meter network could transform how we interact with our homes and manage our energy usage.

Want to learn more about how this technology could benefit your smart product development? Let’s discuss how our experience in this groundbreaking project could help bring your ideas to life.

Want to be part of the next chapter in smart product innovation?

Let's discuss how our experience can help bring your ideas to life.

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