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Now Google shows you how much electricity you are using
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Correspondent28.10.09
Google has launched a new service allowing people to monitor their home power usage from anywhere in the world.
Users go to a special website where they see live reading from their home's power supply.
It can show spikes when individual appliances are switched on, and tell consumers how much power each appliance uses.
It is hoped the service will cause people to cut down on power usage.
“Many consumers feel they can't protect themselves from rising energy costs or do anything to stop climate change,” said Pilgrim Beart of AlertMe, the firm working with Google on the project.
“Our partnership with Google puts your home energy consumption right in front of you every time you go online.”
The service will cost £69 for a clip which you put around your main power supply cable, and a control box which plugs into a home broadband connection. The service also charges a £2.99 per month subscription fee, and is available from British Gas or Alert Me.
“The combination of AlertMe and Google PowerMeter gives consumers a complete solution for monitoring home energy use and costs,” said Ed Lu of Google.
“Within just a few minutes, you can have AlertMe up and running and get a view of where your energy is going through Google PowerMeter, which is accessible anywhere you can access the internet.”
Google is also working with utility firm first:utility, to offer the service to its customers, and is believed to be in talks with more utility companies.
www.alertme.com
Reader views (2)
What is the point, if you are away from home there is absolutely nothing you can do about the energy usage and if you are home, if you are a good little ego warrior, you will already be doing your best to save the planet.
Those of us in the real world will take decisions about what appliances we use and how we use them and the very last thing that we want is yet another American company gathering lifestyle statistics for further marketing and sales opportunities for non-UK businesses.
- James, City of London
Once again the poor will not benefit from the technology, because of the costs involved.
This will cost over £100 in the first year.
- Mr S.Port, London
