Tired of Waiting for a Smart Meter? Google Has You Covered

We talk a lot here about smart meters and how they can boost energy efficiency and lower electricity bills. Last year, I told you about Google's PowerMeter software and their announcement you would be able to use it without a smart grid. Essentially, by buying a TED energy management device and using Google's free PowerMeter software, you could get most of the benefits of a smart meter, without having to wait for your utility company to hook you up with one.

Waiting has been the real problem with smart meters and the rest of the smart grid revolution. With the economy struggling and the usual problems in rolling out huge infrastructure changes, the roll-out of smart gird technology isn't quite at the pace we had hoped for. But, Google's announcement that their software would work with the TED 5000 device was a major breakthrough.

Eight months later, things are going great on the PowerMeter front. Not only was the TED/PowerMeter combo a hit, but earlier this year, Google opened up the PowerMeter software to other developers. Now other energy management manufacturers, like Current Cost have devices on the market that integrate with PowerMeter. Current Cost devices, as the company's clever name implies, can actually calculate how much the energy you are using is actually costing you, providing even more incentive to cut back on usage.

So, while the smart grid is still very much on the way and will bring even more cool stuff (real time pricing updates, etc.) when it finally shows up in your area, there's no need to wait to start monitoring and conserving. For under 200 bucks, you can take charge of your electricity bill today.

Image via TED

Comments

[O. Samuel]

That smart meter may be a great idea for saving on your electric bill. Thanks for informing on how Google helps.