There are 40 million 'smart meters' in homes today - a networked energy meter that tracks usage in detail - and another 100 million on the way. Obama's US economy stimulus package includes plans to put smart meters in 1/3 of US homes (another 40 million).
Google is prototyping a new PowerMeter tool which displays smart meter home energy information on your iGoogle homepage. They plan to partner with as many utility companies as they can and offer this free to consumers to help them reduce their carbon footprints
Based on the philosophy that "if you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it", Google believes people will use less energy when they have better information about what they are using and what it costs. "Studies show that access to your household's personal energy information is likely to save you between 5–15% on your monthly bill" they say.
The potential for new data sets comparing your energy usage with the social norms in your area is fascinating and could be a powerful incentive to change behaviour.
For instance, a test in California showed that people significantly lowered their electricity usage when their monthly bill showed that the average household in their street used less.
Brilliant to see Google doing what they do best - finding new ways to make data available in interesting and useful ways - to encourage people to act against climate change.
[Found via Springwise]
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