Wisconsin Public Service partners with Google in effort to understand energy usage

From a news release issued by Wisconsin Public Service:

Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), Google and eight utility companies around the globe have recently joined forces to test a software tool that allows customers to view their home electricity use online. Google PowerMeter will enable a limited number of users to access detailed information about their power consumption through a secure Google gadget that displays data on a personalized iGoogle homepage.

Fifty WPS electric customers, (mostly WPS employees and their families) are testing Google PowerMeter on their iGoogle homepage. "This pilot isn't about watching your electric meter; it's about understanding how you use energy, how to conserve, and how you save money," stated Barb Nick, Senior Vice-President – Energy Delivery & Customer Services for WPS. "By seeing their electric consumption on the Google gadget, pilot customers will understand their energy patterns. The theory is you can change what you can measure. Since electricity is "invisible" the gadget is a way for customers to literally see their use. Our hope is that customers make more informed choices about conservation and energy efficiency. That is good for their pocketbooks and good for the environment."

"Comprehensive Energy information can help people make smarter choices about how they use electricity," said Ed Lu, lead engineer for Google PowerMeter. "We are excited to work with WPS to test the potential of this software."