Virtual Gateway hardware consists of Internet programmable paging thermostats and load controller modules installed at each customer's home. Virtual Gateway thermostats offer two stages of heating and cooling and are heat-pump compatible. Each load controller module is connected to one interruptible load such as a pool pump or electric hot water heater. The modular design allows you to add or delete load controllers as needed.

Both thermostats and load controller modules incorporate paging frequency receivers to accept 7-day programs as well as real-time load management commands over the air. Virtual Gateway utilizes inexpensive and widely available one-way paging accounts with established, reliable carriers. No costly, proprietary communication network is required. And there are no phone jacks to install and no new wires to pull for communication.