Blue Line Powercost Monitor

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 09:47

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Blue Line has introduced the PowerCost Monitor WiFi Gateway that wirelessly uploads real-time energy use data to Microsoft’s online application Hohm. Blue Line says consumers will get more detailed usage information than what is currently contained in utility bills. Hohm enables consumers to analyze their energy usage and compare it to how much others use power. The software also suggests ways to conserve power. Research indicates the PowerCost Monitor can help families reduce consumption by up to 18 percent.

Currently, over 130,000 households in the United States and Canada use the PowerCost Monitor. But Blue Line acknowledges that “software interface and a broad consumer tool kit of technologies is not a core competency” of the company. “Our expertise is around simplifying the array of electricity meters, utilities and rate structures to provide a simple, universal, safe method to access that real time electricity data – the PowerCost Monitor.” Microsoft’s Hohm solution gives consumers more functionality and richer technological applications.

In his blog, Troy Batterberry, Microsoft Hohm General Manager, says, “Providing this level of insight with easy tools to manage and reduce your energy use is what Microsoft Hohm is all about. Our announcement today is just one step toward our longer term goal of connecting to smart plugs, HVAC, smart appliances, smart thermostats, lighting, electric vehicles, and just about anything else that uses energy. We see a future where—through Hohm—all of these things can work together seamlessly to provide everyone with convenient tools to understand, manage and reduce their energy use.”

The launch of Blue Line’s technology within Hohm is available now in the United States and will be available in Canada later this year.

Batterberry’s full blog can be found at www.microsoft-hohm.com.