Tools

• Since Google started hyping up its home energy management tool, PowerMeter, people have started to get really excited about having the ability to personally control their energy consumption.  Even further, companies are developing ways in which consumers can manage their energy when they’re not even in their house.  Here are 6 iPhone energy management  apps in development or currently available that you should definitely check out.

1. Tendril Vantage Mobile:  Based out of Boulder, CO, the company’s already brought in $30 million in funding.  Although the app won’t be available until 2010, the company is promising to offer real-time consumption stats and the ability to remotely control your appliances and thermostat.
2. Energy UFO: Developed by Palo Alto based company, Visible Energy, the Energy UFO is already free on the app store.  Visible Energy produces energy management gadgets and power strips upon which the Energy UFO interfaces with.  Unfortunately, the app isn’t of much use yet considering their hardware won’t start shipping until Christmas this year.
3. Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat:  Ecobee, out of Toronto, already developed a thermostat that communicates through WiFi.  The company is planning to launch an iPhone app allowing consumers to remotely turn their thermostats up and down.
4. My House UI: Developed by digital home startup, Control4, the My House UI app allows users to control heat, lighting, and air conditioning.  The iPhone app, however, is useless unless you own Control4’s in-home devices.  The company’s already raised $17.3 million.
5. Meter Readings, MeterRead, and Wattulator : All three are $0.99 apps allowing consumers to manually enter electricity, water, and gas data.  Although they don’t directly communicate with your system at home, they’re good for finding out how much energy specific appliances in your home are using.

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