Google PowerMeter

Submitted by georgiana on Sat, 02/14/2009 - 02:46.

Google is working on a program that may save money and electricity. Most of us are working blind when it comes to our electricity use. We don't have an accurate way of telling how much we use or which of our appliances or gadgets uses the most. Google is hoping to change that.

How much does it cost to leave your TV on all day? What about turning your air conditioning 1 degree cooler? Which uses more power every month — your fridge or your dishwasher? Is your household more or less energy efficient than similar homes in your neighborhood?

Our lack of knowledge about our own energy usage is a huge problem, but also a huge opportunity for us all to save money and fight global warming by reducing our power usage. Studies show that access to your household's personal energy information is likely to save you between 5–15% on your monthly bill, and the potential impact of large numbers of people achieving similar efficiencies is even more exciting. For every six households that save 10% on electricity, for instance, we reduce carbon emissions as much as taking one conventional car off the road

You can read more at the website.
http://www.google.org/powermeter/faqs.html