Google smart meters can save cash, says Energy Retail Association

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Google smart meters can save cash, says Energy Retail Association

Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Google's new PowerMeter will allow consumers to monitor how much energy they are using in their homes, according to the Energy Retail Association (ERA).

The Energy Retail Association's Peter Jenkins head of communications and public affairs at the ERA said clients would be able to view their energy usage and compare it to previous statistics.

By analysing their consumption, people can identify problem areas. "Customers will be able to see where they can make changes to their behaviour in order to save energy, and save money," he added.

Users can see how much energy they have used by checking the free tool on their iGoogle homepage. Consumers can see their data wherever they can access the internet.

The software receives information from smart meters and in-home energy management devices and compiles these figures to give real-time updates. The meters will mean easier prepayment, make switching suppliers more straightforward and bring the end of estimated bills.

In May the Department of Energy and Climate Change announced that all homes were to be installed with smart meters by 2020. Britain will be the first country to have this overhaul of electricity and gas meters.

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