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07.07.09 Better Understand Your Energy Usage With Microsoft Hohm  By Darren Straight Microsoft has today opened up it's doors to it's energy management tool Microsoft Hohm as a US Only Public Beta. Microsoft Hohm is a new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money. Microsoft Hohm uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide consumers with personalized energy-saving recommendations. Microsoft Hohm is an easy-to-use tool that helps consumers lower their energy bill and reduce their impact on the environment. "We believe technology will play a pivotal role in tackling the global energy issues we currently face," said Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft. "Microsoft Hohm demonstrates how a combination of advanced software and Internet-based services can help people track, understand and manage their personal energy usage." How does Microsoft Hohm work? • After signing up for Microsoft Hohm with your Windows Live ID and postal code, you simply enter some information about your home (e.g., occupants, appliances and systems) and receive your energy report with personalized recommendations. The more information you provide, the more accurate and relevant the recommendations will be. As a default, Hohm will base its recommendations on local and national averages. • Alternatively, if you are a customer of a Hohm-partnered utility company you can choose to automatically upload your energy usage data into the application in the near future. • The recommendations will be refined as the beta application evolves with feedback from users, their communities and the energy industry.
On average, how much money will Microsoft Hohm help me save on my energy bill? • The financial savings varies widely based on the information you provide on your Microsoft Hohm profile, the characteristics of your household and the changes you implement. Customers are encouraged to run the Hohm application to determine the potential savings for their household. Note that this beta version of Hohm will be evolving over time, so initial recommendations may not optimal How can I get Microsoft Hohm? • Hohm is an online Microsoft application available at no cost to anyone in the United States with Internet access and a modern Internet browser (e.g., Internet Explorer 7 or later, Firefox, Safari). It can be accessed from the Microsoft Hohm Web site, http://www.microsoft-hohm.com. Who is Microsoft Hohm for? Who do you expect will find it useful? • Microsoft Hohm is for residential consumers of energy wanting to save money and reduce their impact on the environment. We hope to hear your story on how you are saving and what you would like to see next.
More info: • Read the Microsoft Hohm blog • Give feedback on Hohm Forums • Follow the Team on twitter • Become a fan of Microsoft Hohm on facebook • Ask for support • Watch the teams introduction video • Check out the teams video channel Continue reading this article. About the Author: Darren Straight a Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) and Windows Live Butterfly Expert is a University of Kent Student who is an avid blogger and technology enthusiast who loves the passion of beta testing new products and services from Microsoft. |
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