Google PowerMeter
While the smart-grid upgrade may promise to do away with the guessing game of energy consumption, Google has made it clear that utility companies are not making the change fast enough. In fact, their release of the PowerMeter may be giving big utilities a run for their money.
Partnering with the Energy Detective and Current Cost, Google has created a device that tracks utility usage without requiring input from utility companies. In addition, it can alert users to what area of their home is consuming the most energy, provide a cost estimate, and give an overall history of energy usage.
For homeowners who already have a smart meter tied to the smart grid, the PowerMeter may be a welcomed alternative. Nearly 23,000 of PG&E customers have already reported receiving bills that were not in line with their meter’s estimates. Others purchased a smart meter when their utilities were not yet capable of giving real time pricing– and may not be for some time.
But while the PowerMeter may seem like a great solution at the moment, the implementation of the smart grid is still essential in bringing everyone onboard the energy-saving boat. The hope is to connect customers directly with utilities so they are fully aware of supply and demand and can plan their usage accordingly. This will also help determine how many power plants are actually necessary.
Perhaps by combining the technology of today with the hopes for energy usage tomorrow, there can be reached a middle-ground solution. For now, the PowerMeter can put homeowners on the right track to conserving energy and saving money today.