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Google is attempting to do its part to help the environment by launching the application, Google PowerMeter, an iGoogle gadget.  The way that this application works is that it will show how much energy is consumed in your home broken down by each appliance.  The program uses technology known as smart meters, which can communicate home energy consumption back to utilities every couple of minutes.

Google hopes this application will help users become more aware of how much energy that they are wasting by leaving certain appliances on.  The software is in the testing phase and users have found that they are able to save thousands by determining the inefficient appliances within their home.  Google is also pushing for energy data to be available in real time to all consumers at no cost.

Google hopes that their smart grid initiative will influence other utility companies to jump on board and make changes that will keep consumers better informed about their energy consumption.

Read: [CNET]