Abstract
This paper proposes a new information model of smart consumers where the appliances are not regarded independently such as in traditional scheduling algorithms or home energy management systems, but through a set of common attributes that make up the generic appliance model. Each appliance is generalized by its set of particular attributes. The novel vision is introduced and the attributes of the generic appliance model are explained. The functionality of the system is described with emphasis on the interactions between system components. Under the novel vision, home energy management systems could be developed into widely used practical implementations that would allow better management and user interaction within the home environment.