“Smart Meters” are the way of the future, say energy efficiency experts. The idea is that a monitor will be connected from the to the power grid/utility company to exchange data about the fluctuating prices of electricity and allow consumers better control to manage their energy consumption. This year, President Obama will help utility companies install 40 million more smart meters across the United States. As a result, it’s expected that many families will adjust their energy consumption based around times when electricity is cheapest and invest in other energy saving devices in the future.

The EnergyHub monitor will provide detailed feedback on your energy usage, showing you where savings could be made. You will be able to communicate directly with the utility company through your interface and also see how much power the neighbors are using. Additionally, the easy-to-install system allows you the ability to control your energy-consuming devices from your touchscreen dashboard, automatically controlling air conditioners, lights, electronics and appliances. You will be able to access and control your data from the or mobile devices as well. “For the first time, you will be in total control over how and when you use energy,” write the makers of EnergyHub. These systems are expected to be widely available in the coming year, but you can enter your for waiting list updates. For more information, visit www.energyhub.net.

The Energy Detective (TED) from South Carolina’s Energy Inc. claims to help homeowners improve their energy efficiency by 10-20%. TED is one of the few consumer power saving gadgets that is currently available. According to the website, “With its two-second reaction time, TED provides immediate feedback on energy usage. For you, that means no surprises. You can see what you’re spending on electricity each second, as well as what you’ve spent so far today or so far this month.” The TED 5000 model works with Google PowerMeter to show you graphs and charts related to your energy consumption. You’ll be able to access energy usage data online and from your mobile phone. You’ll also receive customized information on how to save on energy bills.

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