NYT: Google's PowerMeter to let users track electricity usage

[Computer Hope Admin]

The New York Times is reporting Google will announce a free web service tomorrow called PowerMeter that'll let users track energy consumption in their homes or business, provided there's a means to upload the data. That part of the equation's gonna be up to other companies to create compatible devices, and while no manufacturing partners have been named, we'd suspect strange bedfellow GE will probably jump aboard pretty quickly. The service is expected to roll out in the next few months. Ready to give the boys in Mountain View even more access to your life?

Link to the new Google service

YouTube promotional video

Link to news article

[computeruler]

so it costs money?

[Computer Hope Admin]

Nope, unless I read the FAQ wrong.

How much does this cost?
Google PowerMeter will be free. We hope to work with as many utility companies as possible to deliver this data to anyone with a smart meter.

[computeruler]

Are these smart meter things new?  About how long have they been out

[Computer Hope Admin]

Been out a few years. I recall my power company coming to my house last year to replace my meters with the new smart meter. Basically it allows the power company to remotely que it just by driving down the street. Saves them a lot of time since they don't need to manually walk and look at the meter.

[patio]

It's actually taking inventory of the contents of your basement...

       

[BC_Programmer]

Darn, I'm going to have to rethink my whole obstacle course to the meter... All those wasted years digging that bottomless pit...