Pecan Street, Inc. has begun construction on its cutting-edge, three-story demonstration lab at Mueller. The lab marks a milestone in consumer electronics and green energy research as the first of its kind allowing scientists to directly study the connection between human behavior and energy use.

Expected to open this summer, the lab is located along Berkman Drive across from the former airport control tower and the Wildflower Terrace apartment community.

The new demonstration lab helps Pecan Street Inc. as it explores ways companies can create the next generation of connected consumer electronics, including energy management systems. Using the lab’s high tech equipment, scientists will be able to simulate any home environment, testing how homes will interact with a new smart grid electrical system.

Many Mueller neighbors are familiar with Pecan Street Inc. through the organization’s smart grid research project. More than 200 volunteer residents in and around the Mueller area are already participating in the organization's research.