Google Developing Power Meter technology

Image by Google

Here’s a small update with big potential on the power meter front. Heavy hitter Google released news months ago that they were entertaining the notion of jumping into the power grid business. Well, the power management space to be more exact. This exciting news was followed by months of silence, but the rumors are starting to heat up based on Google and GE now hosting a “Plug into the Smart Grid” conference in Washington DC on February 17, 2009.

While there is a lot of speculation about what and when, Google has posted some information on their powermeter website. Powermeter is currently a prototype product, and is in private beta with partnering utility companies and independent device manufacturers. The intent is to take the data from your “Smart power meter” and display it in a widget on the iGoogle desktop. This would allow for near real-time monitoring of your power consumption.

Pretty cool, but the term “Smart Meter” concerns me as it would leave our home out of the mix since we have the old type with the dials and spinning disc. I would hate to rely on the power company to tackle the project of replacing all the meters before we can enjoy this piece of Google goodness.

The Powermeter website also leaves me with a question of handling circuit or device isolation. Their charts show spikes with labels like “Dryer,” “TV,” “heater”, etc. This would hint at either a more complicated meter than anticipated, or remote monitoring devices that can be placed on the loads in your home.

Whatever the case, it’s nice to see an innovator getting involved in solving this age old dilemma. We will bring you an update after the conference. Until then, you may want to check out these 10 Power/plug meters that are already on the market.

Technorati Tags: google, killawatt, meter technology, Plug Meter, power consumption, power grid, power management, Power Meter, Reduce Power Bill, reduce power consumption, reduce power use, remote monitoring, smart meter, smart power, Watts Up

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