No, not THAT DRM – Demand response management for power usage

Residential power usage is climbing steadily: For the nation as a whole, average monthly residential energy consumption has risen to 938 kilowatt-hours in 2006 from 864 kWh in 1998 and 793 kWh in 1990, according to the Energy Information Administration. However, knowledge is power, and knowledge about power can show both companies and individuals how to save it.

That’s where demand response management comes in: Based on real-time energy pricing and usage figures, businesses reduce their energy usage during peak (and most expensive) times. But while businesses may have had access to both their usage numbers and fluctuating energy costs, individual residences haven’t had that information. A company called ConsumerPowerline, which has already been supplying that information to businesses and residential management companies has announced Home Joule, an energy data display that gives you real-time information on the price of power – and how much of it you’re using. When the display goes red, you know you’re using too much at too high a price.

The product and service will only be offered in New York City with beta testing in summer 2007, but the company has plans to widen its reach to other cities.

[Link: I saw this first mentioned in Wired.]