MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ca. – Google muscled into the burgeoning smart-grid software business Tuesday, showing off a prototype Web application that displays home energy consumption broken down by appliance. The software uses so-called smart meters, which can communicate home energy consumption back to utilities every few minutes.
The driving idea behind the Google PowerMeter iGoogle gadget–and nearly all smart-grid companies–is that giving consumers access to more detailed home energy data will lead to lower usage, CNET News.Com reported. There are dozens of smart-grid trial programs now going on, offered through utilities.
Engineer Russ Mirov, one of the Google employees testing the software, was able to reduce his electricity use 64 percent over the past year, saving $3,000, by replacing inefficient refrigerators and running his pool pump at scheduled intervals.
Google cites figures showing that regularly viewing real-time energy use will prod people to cut electricity by 5 percent to 15 percent on average through behavioral changes. The product is now in private beta.
With its smart-grid push, Google is seeking to appeal directly to consumers, rather than working through utility-sponsored programs. Typically, smart-grid companies sell to utilities, giving them smart meters and software to help them operate the power grid more efficiently. As part of those programs, consumers can often get real-time information on energy use.
Google is also trying to influence smart-grid policy. On Tuesday, it published recommendations to the California Public Utility Commission, advocating that home energy data be available to consumers in real time for free in standard formats.
Google’s foray into smart-grid software was expected. Last year, it signed a partnership with General Electric to make smart-grid software. It has also been lobbying for stronger green-technology policies.
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