Google Launches Energy Use Application with AlertMe

Google has just launched a new feature that allows user to access and monitor personal power usage in relation to their individual residence. The service is provided by Google, and allows users to access their home’s power usage from anywhere in the world, so long as their is an internet connection available.

Google users visit a special website where they can type in their details and view a live reading of their residence’s current power usage and supply. The technology is sensitive enough to indicate spikes in power when certain appliances are activated as well as indicate how many appliances are currently in use at the home.

Google has developed the program, which can now be accessed for free online, in the hopes that users will become more conscious of how much energy they are consuming on a regularly basis. It will also help individuals seeking to cut down their energy use by allowing them to see high energy use appliances, times, and activities.

Google is working in conjunction with Pilgrim Beart of AlertMe, who says that people have an idea that they cannot protect themselves from rapidly increasing energy prices or have any affect on climate change. He added that the partnership with Google aims to educate consumers on home energy consumption by placing it right on the screen every time that customer goes online.

The combined AlertMe and Google PowerMeter functions allow users to view a complete energy efficiency solution for their home energy use and ways to save on that energy use, saving money, and the environment. Ed Lu of Google said that in only a few minutes of the customer’s time, AlertMe can be up and going and using the Google PowerMeter can provide consumers with a view of their current energy use. 

The new service is available anywhere there is internet. Google currently is working with utility firm First, to allow them to offer the service to their customers, but they are also believed to be talking with several more utility companies to offer the same service.