HCA Introduces Energy Management Specification 2.0 and Insurance API at IFA 2025

The Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA) made significant announcements at IFA 2025 in Berlin, unveiling the HCA Energy Management Specification 2.0 and the first HCA Insurance Specification. Both updates are set to be released publicly by the end of 2025, signaling new advancements in the connected home ecosystem.

For readers of eeNews Europe, these developments highlight emerging opportunities in interoperability, grid services, and data-driven insurance products, where energy, electronics, and IoT industries converge to create innovative solutions.

Enhanced Energy Management Capabilities

Following the initial release at CES 2024, the latest HCA Energy Management Specification 2.0 introduces enhanced features such as improved cybersecurity measures, expanded demand response options, and better integration between smart appliances and energy management platforms.

Marco Bulgheroni, HCA board member and Chief Digital Technology Officer at Electrolux, emphasized the practical benefits for consumers, stating, “Energy Management Specification 2.0 equips users with tools to effectively plan, manage, and optimize household energy consumption, reinforcing interoperability in the process.”

This update empowers utilities and aggregators with advanced capabilities to orchestrate devices in demand response programs. Michael Siemann, HCA Energy Management Task Force Chair and Director of Technology at Resideo Grid Services, highlighted the improved support for smart appliances in demand response, streamlining the enrollment and management of devices for utilities and aggregators.

Integration of Insurance Services

Breaking new ground, HCA has expanded its focus beyond energy efficiency to include insurance services with the introduction of the Insurance Specification 1.0. This specification defines a standardized API that connects appliance data with insurers, enabling the development of innovative services like risk mitigation, cost savings, and personalized insurance products.

John B. Riggs, HCA Board Member and CTO & SVP, Applied Technology Solutions & President, Meshify at HSB, expressed the potential of IoT technology within the connected home ecosystem, stating, “HSB is exploring solutions that leverage IoT data to unlock new value propositions for consumers.”

Global Collaboration and Adoption

In a move towards global adoption, HCA announced the formation of a special interest group (SIG) based in Korea, comprising Hyundai Development Company and Hyundai Engineering and Construction, in collaboration with the Korea Association of AI Smart Home. This initiative aims to drive adoption and promote interoperability within the region.

John Hughes, HCA Technical WG Chair and Chief Engineer at Trane Technologies, highlighted the seamless integration process for HCA adopters, emphasizing the ease of connecting with other members once integrated with a member, simplifying the process through URL and security key adjustments.

With its latest specifications, the Home Connectivity Alliance is laying the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more sustainable homes by bridging energy management, appliance interoperability, and insurance services to create a comprehensive connected home ecosystem. For more information, visit the official HCA website at homeconnectivityalliance.org.