Google recently stated that it would utilize its software knowledge to help consumers track their home energy utilization and by doing so lower demand and the global warming emissions that result from electricity production. The move is part of Google’s attempts to infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into renewable energy, electricity-grid upgrades and other steps that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Google has already invested in various newcomer solar, wind and geothermal companies, as well as two “smart grid” companies. Smart grid describes a more efficient and less expensive process of moving electricity along long-distance transmission lines to local power lines and consumers in homes and businesses.

On its blog, Google stated it is developing a smart grid application named Google PowerMeter, which will display home energy use virtually in real time on a user’s computer. The company referenced studies showing that access to home energy data typically saves between five to fifteen percent on monthly electricity bills. The application currently is not available to the public. The company desires to develop partnerships with utility companies so it can offer PowerMeter to consumers in the coming months. Google’s investments in smart grid companies include Germantown, Maryland-based Current Group and Redwood City, California-based Silver Spring Networks.