Search giant Google has entered the burgeoning smart-grid software business with a prototype web application that breaks down home energy consumption by appliance.
The software taps into data from smart meters, which send household consumption figures to utilities every few minutes.
The idea behind the Google PowerMeter iGoogle gadget, launched on Tuesday, is that giving consumers access to more detailed home-energy data will cut usage. US utilities are already running dozens of smart-grid trials.
Google cites figures showing that people reduce electricity use by between five and 15 percent on average if they can regularly view consumption data. The Google product is now in private beta.
With its smart-grid push, Google is seeking to appeal to consumers, rather than working through utility-sponsored programmes.
Typically, smart-grid companies sell to utilities, providing them with smart meters and software to help them operate the power grid more efficiently. As part of those programmes, consumers can often get real-time information on energy use.
Google is also trying to influence US smart-grid policy. On Tuesday, it published recommendations to the California Public Utility Commission, advocating that free home-energy data should be available to consumers in real time in standard formats.
"Unfortunately, many of today's smart meters don't display information to the consumer. We consider this unacceptable. We believe that detailed data on your personal energy use belongs to you, and should be available in a standard, non-proprietary format," according to the announcement on the official Google blog.
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.
