Editor's Choice: Google says power to the people

Google is testing a tool that will allow consumers to get a detailed online look at their energy consumption. Users would add a PowerMeter widget to their iGoogle homepage to get access to a chart which shows daily energy usage. The initiative depends on utility companies installing smart meters, devices that digitally track electricity and gas usage better than meters currently in use. According to Google, some 100 million smart meters will be installed in the next few years, more than double what is currently available.