Google PowerMeter

Most of us are in the dark when it comes to electricity use beyond the monthly bill. But that info gap is starting to be filled.

Here is a screenshot of PowerMeter, a Google home energy monitoring application now in limited beta testing. It's one of many of Web-based tools and gadgets under development meant to give consumers more insight into how and when they consume juice. Advocates say just surfacing more information will help people cut electricity consumption by 5 percent to 10 percent. Utility-run demand response programs should help consumers to take advantage of lower rates or get discounts by allowing the utility to adjust appliances during peak times.