Google.org has recently announced plans for a new iGoogle gadget dubbed the PowerMeter, a near real-time application that tracks and shows your energy use.

Although still in prototype, the PowerMeter is designed to receive information from utility meters and provides the user access to their home electricity consumption. 

With this gadget, Google tackles two areas constantly  a concern for many individuals: saving money and saving the earth. Although we learn the steps to reduce electricity consumption, we can’t necessarily read the direct impacts and track changes. The PowerMeter changes this.

The application is free, and the  only requirements are that homes need to have advanced energy meters called “smart meters”. Details of getting the customers easy access to their data is still under development.

Google estimates that for every 60,000 homes that make a 10% energy reduction, it is the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road. The PowerMeter will help alert and gauge energy levels by working with embedded sensors in appliances and consequently determining how much energy they consume. They’ll know where they are draining energy and can make simple adjustments.

Google employees have taken to the beta-testing, and thus far, seen positive results. Don, a software engineering, saw a 33% decrease simply by switching from a toaster oven to a toaster. Program manager Karen saw a 13% usage drop after switching all lights to CFLs.

Although still in beta-testing, you can join the mailing list to stay updated on the process.

Read more at google.org/powermeter

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