Home Connectivity Alliance Unveils Groundbreaking Specifications for Smarter, Sustainable Homes at IFA 2025
The Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA), a pioneering organization committed to advancing secure interoperability and energy efficiency within the connected home ecosystem, has announced two groundbreaking specifications at IFA 2025: the HCA Energy Management Specification 2.0 and the HCA Insurance Specification 1.0. Both specifications are slated for public release by the end of 2025, marking a significant leap forward in creating smarter, more sustainable homes.
A Vision for Connected Living: Focus on Collaboration and Innovation
In his remarks at the event, Yoon Ho Choi, President of the Home Connectivity Alliance, expressed pride in the progress achieved over the past year. “HCA remains steadfast in fostering cross-industry collaboration and innovation to help consumers save both time and money through connected solutions,” he said. “Our members share a unified vision of responsibly leveraging data insights from long-life appliances and HVAC systems to benefit homeowners while safeguarding their privacy.”
The HCA Energy Management Specification 2.0 and Insurance Specification 1.0 aim to redefine energy efficiency, cost savings, and homeowner protection. By enabling better interaction between smart devices and energy management systems, these specifications empower consumers to make informed decisions that drive sustainability and financial savings.
Advancing Energy Efficiency with HCA Energy Management Specification 2.0
The Energy Management Specification 2.0 builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, which was unveiled at CES 2024. The original specification established an industry standard for energy-efficient solutions, making it easier for consumers to access key data about their high-energy-consuming appliances, such as power usage and optimization strategies. This data-driven approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also translates into real-world cost savings for households.
With the updated version, HCA is taking energy management to the next level. The 2.0 specification introduces advanced cybersecurity features, expanded configuration options for demand response, and enhanced support for interactions between energy management systems and smart appliances. These updates ensure that utilities and aggregators have clearer tools to enroll, coordinate, and manage devices during peak energy demand periods.
Michael Siemann, Chair of the HCA Energy Management Task Force and Director of Technology at Resideo Grid Services, emphasized the practical impact of the new specification. “This update strengthens support for smart appliances in demand response programs and provides a robust framework for monitoring and controlling appliance energy usage,” he explained. “It’s about empowering families to take control of their energy consumption, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Bridging the Gap Between Smart Homes and Insurance with HCA Insurance Specification 1.0
The HCA Insurance Specification 1.0 represents a bold step toward integrating the insurance industry with the connected home ecosystem. Rising costs of residential damages, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and increasing deductibles have made the intersection of smart home technology and insurance increasingly relevant for homeowners. To address this, the HCA Insurance Task Force has developed a standardized data pipeline (API) that facilitates seamless communication between connected home equipment and insurers.
The publication of Insurance API v1.0 marks the first milestone in aligning the interests of consumers, manufacturers, and insurers. This API enables HCA members to share relevant data with the insurance industry, paving the way for innovative insurance products tailored to smart appliance owners. For example, homeowners could potentially qualify for reduced premiums or additional coverage based on the proactive risk-mitigation capabilities of their connected devices.
John B. Riggs, CTO and SVP of Applied Technology Solutions at HSB and a member of the HCA Board, highlighted the untapped potential of IoT technology in the connected home ecosystem. “We’re excited to collaborate with appliance manufacturers, insurance companies, and property owners to deliver data-enabled solutions that enhance loss mitigation,” he said. “This initiative embodies our vision of ‘Connect, Protect & Save,’ offering tangible benefits to all stakeholders.”
Expanding Reach with the Formation of HCA Korea-SIG
In another major development, HCA announced the formation of the Korea Special Interest Group (Korea-SIG), dedicated to promoting the adoption of HCA specifications across various industries. New adopter members include prominent organizations such as Hyundai Development Company (HDC), HDC Labs, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Hyundai HT Co., S-1 Corporation, and Sqisoft Inc. The group will collaborate closely with the Korea Association of AI Smart Home (KASH) to leverage HCA specifications for broader applications.
According to John Hughes, Chair of the HCA Technical Working Group and Chief Engineer at Trane Technologies, the scalability offered by HCA specifications creates unprecedented business opportunities. “Once a company integrates with one of our members, connecting to others can be as simple as updating URLs and security keys,” he explained. “By working together, we’re designing solutions that surpass what any single entity could achieve independently.”
Empowering Consumers Through Collaboration and Innovation
The announcements at IFA 2025 underscore HCA’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the connected home landscape. By focusing on energy efficiency, consumer protection, and cross-industry collaboration, the organization is setting a new standard for how technology can improve everyday life. Whether it’s helping families manage their energy consumption or providing innovative insurance solutions, the HCA is proving that the future of connected living is not just smarter—it’s also more sustainable and inclusive.
As the world moves closer to widespread adoption of smart home technologies, the HCA’s efforts serve as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration. With the upcoming release of the Energy Management Specification 2.0 and Insurance Specification 1.0, the alliance is poised to shape a future where connected homes are not only convenient but also environmentally responsible and financially beneficial for everyone.
About Home Connectivity Alliance
The Home Connectivity Alliance is a member-driven organization comprised of 17 global brands dedicated to the development and promotion of safe and secure interoperability and energy savings across long-life appliances, HVAC systems and TVs within the connected home ecosystem. For more information, visit www.homeconnectivityalliance.org.
