If you knew how your energy use compared to your neighbors, would you be a little more motivated to conserve? Many have tried, but no group has succeeded, no matter how big. Utilities, companies like Microsoft and Google, even the U.S. Department of Energy, can't really give you a good picture—no matter how much data they collect.
The guys behind MapOurEnergy have a great idea: Collect as little data as possible, instead.
But wait, isn't more data better? We don't think so and neither does MapOurEnergy. We wrote last year about Microsoft Hohm. They created a site that requires you to log in, enter detailed data about every nook and cranny of your house, energy bills and a whole bunch of other stuff. In the end (if you make it there), you get recommendations like "Replace your incandescent bulbs with CFLs." Many other similar huge databases are ready and waiting to collect a huge mass of information in order to provide ... well, not much so far.
Would you spend an hour doing this? Didn't think so.
How about a minute or two? And you don't even have to log in! Now we're talking.
Using the power of local green groups and other organizations, MapOurEnergy's system can collect just enough information to provide some very interesting data indeed. Entering just your Zip code, number of residents, the size of your house, and your most recent utility bill, you can do your part to build a picture of your town's energy usage. And MapOurEnergy's software will put it on the map.
As more people participate, the set of data will provide a picture of energy use in greater detail than anyone has so far. The data, in turn, helps town energy committees and teams make informed decisions. And there are plenty of other possibilities, as well. Right now, the system is set up for Newton and Brookline, Mass., but more towns are on the way.
MapOurEnergy is still in development, but here's a sneak peek.
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