Monday 2 April 2012

New energy apps to help consumers understand their usage

Ever wondered how much energy your house uses? Soon people in America may be able to check it from their mobile phones!

The US Energy Department is launching the 'Apps for Energy' contest, which will offer cash prizes for creating energy related applications to be accessed via phones and other online mediums.

The new contest follows an initiative launched last year, which helps Americans access their electricity usage data online straight from their energy supplier. The challenge is to combine the online access with new ways to help consumers understand their energy usage.

Submissions can include any kind of energy related app to help connect with consumers like tracking personal energy saving goals or improving businesses usage of energy in buildings.

A study by TechNet has estimated the app industry has created nearly 500,000 jobs in the US.