Two of California's leading utilities companies (Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric) have launched a "Green Button" feature on their websites to allow consumers access to detailed energy usage information. The feature was developed in response to the challenge that U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra presented to the utility industry to enable customers to download their energy usage with the simple click of a button.
National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that access to such data is important in helping consumers save energy and money, and that the "Green Button" technology may support a future generation of interactive thermostats and virtual energy audits.
Chopra says that the online feature is the beginning of a new era where the public will have control over their energy use. “With the benefits of
open data standards, American app developers and other innovators can
apply their creativity to bring the smart grid to life for families—not
only in California but in communities all across the nation,” Chopra says.
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