New broadband tool from Google to help pursue energy efficiency

A new tool released by internet search engine giant Google allows homeowners to monitor their domestic energy consumption via their broadband connection.

The Google Powermeter takes consumption data fed from an add-on clip used for conventional energy meters, or taken directly from a newer smart meter, and presents the information on an iGoogle web page.

As the data is presented online, it can be monitored regardless of where the homeowner is located, as long as they have either a computer or mobile phone with them.

Pilgrim Beart, the founder and chief executive officer of AlertMe Energy, the product the Powermeter will initially be sold with in the UK, said: "More than a quarter of all energy use happens in our homes and this gives consumers the power to monitor, control and reduce the energy they use."

Broadband can already be used to download media content at high speeds and reduce communications expenditure through VoIP solutions.

Every home in the UK could be able to use the Powermeter within the next few years through the government's universal connectivity policy.