AlertMe, the home energy management service, has reportedly launched AlertMe Energy, giving consumers the ability to monitor their home energy usage online and act on that information to reduce their bills and carbon footprint.

 

Company officials said that AlertMe Energy includes easy-to-install hardware and an online service that can be accessed from any Web browser. It is also tightly integrated with Google PowerMeter, making it easy to track energy consumption live from an iGoogle home page.

 

“Many consumers feel they can’t protect themselves from rising energy costs or do anything to stop climate change,” said Pilgrim Beart, founder and CEO, AlertMe, in a statement. “However, more than a quarter of all energy use happens in our homes and now AlertMe Energy gives consumers the power to monitor, control, and reduce the energy they use, saving money and reducing their carbon footprint. “Our partnership with Google (News - Alert) PowerMeter puts your home energy consumption right in front of you every time you go online.”

 

Company officials said that AlertMe is constantly expanding its online service to give consumers new options and functionality. AlertMe Energy can be enhanced by adding SmartPlugs to automatically measure and control individual appliances, providing greater savings and convenience.

 

In the future, AlertMe will provide a deeper level of detail and offer automated, tailored recommendations, making it even simpler to change behavior and save money.

 

AlertMe officials also announced a partnership with Google, becoming the first self-install consumer device company to partner with Google PowerMeter and the only one with a product available in the U.K.

 

Company officials said that AlertMe customers can now access their home’s data through Google PowerMeter or their iGoogle homepage, in addition to the AlertMe online dashboard. With devices like AlertMe, consumers don't need a smart meter installed by their utility to use Google PowerMeter, making it easier for people to put energy use into their own hands.

 

“The combination of AlertMe and Google PowerMeter gives consumers a complete solution for monitoring home energy use and costs,” said Ed Lu, Google PowerMeter’s lead engineer, in a statement. “Within just a few minutes, you can have AlertMe up and running and get a view of where your energy is going through Google PowerMeter, which is accessible anywhere you can access the internet. We want to empower consumers to take energy information into their own hands and we are excited to work closely with AlertMe on this initiative.”

 

AlertMe recently announced a trial with British Gas to provide AlertMe Smart Home Energy products in U.K. homes, including online heating control and smart metering.