Google (News 
- Alert) has announced that it will discontinue its PowerMeter application on September 16.
“We’re pleased that PowerMeter has helped demonstrate the importance of this [home energy] access and created something of a model. However, our efforts have not scaled as quickly as we would like, so we are retiring the service,” the blog explained.
In late 2009, Google launched PowerMeter as a Google.org project to raise awareness about the importance of giving people access to data surrounding their energy usage. By partnering with utilities, and forging deals with smart meter manufacturers, Google was able to offer a free energy monitoring tool that enabled users to view their home energy consumption from anywhere online.
Studies show that having simple access to such information helps consumers reduce their energy use by up to 15 percent, the company said.
However, the Mountain View, California-based Web search company has found that, “Since our launch, there’s been more attention given to this notion of people easily accessing their energy data. The installation of smart meters and other home energy devices is picking up steam, and states like California and Texas are moving forward to finalize policies and programs in this area. Earlier this month, the White House announced a goal of giving all consumers access to their energy usage in computer-friendly formats as part of a national plan for modernizing the electricity grid.”The company noted that, “Momentum is building toward making energy information more readily accessible, and it’s exciting to see others drive innovation and pursue opportunities in this important new market. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished with PowerMeter and look forward to what will develop next in this space.”
Through September 16, PowerMeter users will have access to the tool to download data: Simply log in to your account and go to "Account Settings” to export to a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file. The company also will contact users directly with more information on this process.
In the same blog, the company announced the retirement of its
Google Health product, as of January 1, 2012; with data available for download through January 1, 2013. Google first offered its health app in a beta test in 2008, and updated its look and feel in 2010. Now, “there has been adoption among certain groups of users like tech-savvy patients and their caregivers, and more recently fitness and wellness enthusiasts. But we haven’t found a way to translate that limited usage into widespread adoption in the daily health routines of millions of people,” the company said.
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.
