As a long-time user of Home Assistant, I’ve been fascinated by the integration possibilities with Plugwise products. The journey of supporting Plugwise devices in both Core and custom components has been nothing short of exciting. Starting from September 2020, a dedicated team has been working tirelessly to ensure most, if not all, Plugwise products are supported in beta versions, aiming for their inclusion in HA Core soon. This includes the USB stick, power apparel, and networked Smile/Stretch products for both climate and power management.
For those who rely on the USB stick, it’s crucial to note the recent changes. The custom_component for Plugwise has been updated, and current users are advised to switch to the new plugwise_usb-beta component. This shift ensures seamless integration and future-proofing of Plugwise devices within the Home Assistant ecosystem.
I’ve personally found the Plugwise Climate and Power products to be a game-changer for my smart home setup. The ability to test new ideas, firmware versions, and even new products through the custom_component has been invaluable. While installing the custom_component does require some tinkering with HACS, the README on the GitHub repository provides clear instructions to get started. If you’re unsure or encounter issues, the community forums and Discord channels are fantastic resources for troubleshooting.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Plugwise and the community members who have contributed to making this integration possible. It’s inspiring to see how a group of enthusiasts can come together to enhance the functionality of Home Assistant. For anyone looking to integrate Plugwise devices, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Plugwise custom_component is definitely worth exploring. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of smart home integration together!