Google launches new PowerMeter API

Google PowerMeter gathers information from smart meters in the home

Google has released a new PowerMeter API designed to make it easier for developers and manufacturers to build home energy monitoring devices that work with Google's power monitoring tools.

The company said in a blog post that it is hoping to build an "ecosystem" of developers making information about energy efficiency available to home users and businesses.

"In today's launch of the API we are highlighting the core design principles towards integrating with Google PowerMeter," said Google product manager Srikanth Rajagopalan.

"In particular we outline the underlying data model and the accompanying protocols to ensure that Google PowerMeter provides consumers with access to their energy consumption with utmost care in maintaining the user's privacy and control on access to the information.

"We also highlight, with code samples and client implementations, how to easily start building your PowerMeter-compatible device."

Google PowerMeter was launched in the UK last year and is a free software tool available through selected energy providers, such as First Utility.

The system takes information from smart meters in the home and provides data, including graphs on use and waste, on a dedicated iGoogle web page.

"If you can't measure and view your energy use, its very difficult to make savings," said First Utility chief executive Mark Daeche at the launch.