Question Technology

Is this an invasion of privacy?

cyborgmind September 22, 2009 19:39:34

google.org
Google PowerMeter/http://www.google.org/powermeter/

"If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it." — Lord Kelvin
How much does it cost to leave your TV on all day? What about turning your air conditioning 1 degree cooler? Which uses more power every month — your dishwasher or your washing machine? Is your household more or less energy efficient than similar homes in your neighborhood?

Its nearly impossible to make informed choices about electricity. This is a problem but also a huge opportunity for us all to save money and help the environment by reducing our power usage. Studies show that access to your household's personal energy information is likely to save you 5–15% on your monthly bill. Even greater savings are possible if you use this information to see the value of retiring your old refrigerator, installing a new air conditioner or insulating your home. The potential impact of large numbers of people achieving similar efficiencies is even more exciting. For every six households that save 10% on electricity, for instance, we reduce carbon emissions as much as taking one conventional car off the road (see sources and calculation).

At Google we're helping enable a future where access to personal electricity information helps everyone make smarter energy choices. Google PowerMeter shows consumers their electricity consumption in a secure Google gadget. Today we are testing the product with utility partners in the US, India, Germany, and Canada.

We think Google PowerMeter offers more useful and actionable feedback than complicated monthly paper bills that provide little detail on consumption or how to save energy. But Google PowerMeter is just a start; it will take a lot of different groups working together to create what the world really needs: a path to smarter power.
No... Get Out Of My Life...

No... Get Out Of My Life...

65%

13 votes

Undecided

Undecided

20%

4 votes

Yes... Can't wait for it...

Yes... Can't wait for it...

15%

3 votes

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Comments
  • beagamer September 28, 2009 17:49:37
    beagamer

    Undecided

    If you sign up for it then you would be agreeing to it. Right?
  • Keen ToJones September 24, 2009 04:59:11
    Keen ToJones

    Yes... Can't wait for it...

    I like it. I think that it is an empowering idea.
  • Torchmanner September 23, 2009 23:05:20
    Torchmanner

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    My reason for wanting to live off the grid. I don't want tied to anything that can be tracked.
  • Jim September 23, 2009 21:39:21
    Jim

    Yes... Can't wait for it...

    I am amazed at the responses to this question which I read twice. It is advocating for an appliance or gadget that enables the USER to monitor their usage by individual appliances which is a great improvement over the present system.

    I have often wondered how much electricity my refrigerator uses compared to my computer for example. How much electricity does my freezer use when it is full versus when it is half empty.

    Does that new bulb I paid an arm and a leg for really just pull twenty-three watts while giving me ninety watts of light?

    I see nothing in the Google appliance that increases snooping. While I do not believe man causes global warming, energy does cost money and I welcome anything within reason to help me use more wisely.
  • Civic_Minded September 23, 2009 02:27:04
    Civic_Minded

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    I can think for myself and decide best how to spend my money. The "do-gooders" of the environmental religion need to get their own facts straight about CO2 and global warming and stop trying to steal us blind!
  • Azrael-In GOD we trust September 23, 2009 02:22:00
    Azrael-In GOD we trust

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    Beat it, mutt!
  • zyledr September 23, 2009 02:20:26
    zyledr

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    As long as I pay my bill they need to shut up. If they were truly concerned about things we would have had nuclear power going on a massive scale years ago. This is nothing more then a power grab. No pun intended.
  • 1oct1 September 23, 2009 01:34:00
    1oct1

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    Don't need them.
    turn off everything when I'm not home.
    Turn off light when not in room.
    I recycle just about everything.
    I don't do this to be more green, I do it cause it just makes sense to me.
  • Ahrtal September 23, 2009 01:06:05
    Ahrtal

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    Gee, I'm a college graduate, and can read my electrical usage in my monthly bill. I think I know what to do to conserve energy. I had one mother; I don't need another.
  • Beccy September 23, 2009 00:32:27
    Beccy

    Yes... Can't wait for it...

    Energy bills are skyrocketing, I can use any help I can get.
  • IndyLinda September 23, 2009 00:30:59
    IndyLinda

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    life
  • Dwight Mann September 23, 2009 00:17:28
    Dwight Mann

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    (User did not leave a comment)
  • retarded idiot September 22, 2009 23:53:05
    retarded idiot

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    i do not use that much power compared to other people who have electricity
  • sadie100~In God we trust~ September 22, 2009 23:17:55
    sadie100~In God we trust~

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    Stay out of my life, I don't need it...go away!!
  • Red Branch September 22, 2009 22:31:18
    Red Branch

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    It is none of their business. Besides how much more would that gadget measure or record.

    Count me out.
  • Dagon September 22, 2009 22:26:05
    Dagon

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    I pay for what I use, and more than it is worth. I don't want anyone telling me what to do.
  • Redsoxfanforlife September 22, 2009 20:48:22
    Redsoxfanforlife

    Undecided

    If you want to check on your own energy efficiency, you can ask someone to come into your house to help you get efficient. If that is truly what you need and you can not figure it out on your own. Ugh! Google is a total part of this whole NWO and they already invade privacy with the street view. They think they own us and you know what? They do.

    I am sure many people will think this is just so wonderful and we all need to jump on the bandwagon because it will help the global good.

    I say, buckle up, we are in for a ride. They are totally taking over and the masses are not waking up.

    Just look at the "mind control" that is happening with "think green", "go green", "green this" green that. It is so pathetic that we fall for this crap. But then again, what can you do. Years of fluoride intake at least once sometimes twice a day, and then in your water and watching the propaganda on tv. Oh and how can I forget the "indoctrination centers" called the public school system.

    This is just "soft" tyranny. The real stuff is coming.
  • proudtobeanAmerican September 22, 2009 20:09:44
    proudtobeanAmerican

    No... Get Out Of My Life...

    I'm to the point now that I have no trust in the Democratic agenda. There's an alterior motive everywhere they turn! I also conserve. I don't mind some suggestions, but I think it should be voluntary for us to be monitored.
  • Mike September 22, 2009 20:01:18
    Mike

    Undecided

    I am conservative with the energy I use, but I don't need to be told. I do it because I see the need.
  • Chico September 22, 2009 19:41:33
    Chico

    Undecided

    I use power strips on everything I can

    So I can turn them off when not in use (like big screens, etc.)

    But I don't want anyone telling me to...............
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