Currently, UI customers can log on to its Web site to check their consumption. They also can enter information on appliances to show how much electricity that equipment uses. New meters also allow the company to alert customers when they hit a certain dollar threshold. Thomas admits there have been some complaints regarding higher than expected bills, but he says in the near future consumers will be able to schedule an alert for when their bill hits $100 so they can take extra power saving measures.

There is an advantage for utilities in consumers controlling bills: Taylor believes it will reduce the number of uncollectible accounts. He also noted that hourly rates probably won’t make sense for everyone, so there should be fixed rates offered as well.

In Germany, smart energy has gotten a boost as Deutsche Telekom AG and Switzerland’s ABB Ltd. have signed a letter of intent to partner in developing and marketing joint solutions for intelligent power grids.

“A declaration of intent has already been signed, a contract is set to be sealed in the first quarter of 2010,” a Telekom spokesman said in a statement. “It is our goal to offer ready solutions for municipal utilities and mid-sized energy suppliers.”