APPLIANCE WITH A CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO CONNECT TO A NETWORK ADN ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

According to embodiments of the present invention, an appliance may include operating assemblies configured to employ utilities to perform one or more functions. A controller may be configured to control the operating assemblies. The controller may include a network interface and a user interface. The network interface may communicate utility data relating to the utilities with a network. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs and output status indicators relating to the utility data received from the network. The utility data may include a utility demand level and a utility unit price. Further, a system is also provided that may include the appliance, an additional appliance, and an intermediate controller. The intermediate controller may be configured to communicate with the network and direct modification of the functions performed by the appliance and the additional appliance based on the utility data. Related methods are also provided.