By Balasubramanyam Seshan: Subscribe to Balasubramanyam's RSS feed
July 28, 2010 12:46 PM EDT
Software giant Microsoft said it has improved its Hohm online energy monitoring application to help consumers track household energy use down to the minute and the dollar.
Microsoft's Hohm combined with Blue Line Innovations' energy tracking device to give consumers real-time information about their household energy use, and its cost, at a glance, with easy-to-use graphs that show where the consumers can save the most energy and money.
“With a utility bill you may only see your energy usage once every month or even every two months. The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway provide updates every 30 seconds, so you’re getting real-time data so you can take real-time action. It’s kind of like online banking for your energy bill, offering 24x7 access to your usage,” said Troy Batterberry, product unit manager for Microsoft Hohm.
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Hohm also offers social networking communities on Facebook and Twitter to help users compare notes and get tips for ways to improve their energy efficiency.
Microsoft’s collaboration with Blue Line is the first available device partnership for Microsoft Hohm. The goal of Microsoft Hohm is to connect to smart plugs, thermostats, HVAC systems, electric vehicles and other devices so that consumers have as much information as possible to help them understand and reduce their energy consumption, Microsoft said in a statement.
The Blue Line PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway are available July 28 from Blue Line Innovations and through select retailers. The complete package of PowerCost Monitor and WiFi Gateway is available for estimated retail price of $249. And the WiFi Gateway can be purchased separately by consumers who already have the PowerCost Monitor for estimated retail price of $159.
“Our goal with Microsoft Hohm is to give consumers information that can help them make smarter decisions to control and manage their energy use. We see this collaboration with Blue Line as a first step toward achieving that goal,” said Batterberry.
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