Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra announced the launch of the Green Button initiative Wednesday, a new feature for energy company websites that will let consumers download their own detailed energy usage information.
The program is being launched in California with two of the state’s three largest utilities – Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric – serving about 17 million customers.
“Green Button marks the beginning of a new era of consumer control over energy use, and local empowerment to cut waste and save money,” said Chopra. “With the benefits of open data standards, American app developers and other innovators can apply their creativity to bring the smart grid to life for families—not only in California but in communities all across the Nation.”
Chopra was joined by Administration officials from the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, who celebrated the launch of Green Button at a Silicon Valley Leadership Group event that also featured utility CIOs and entrepreneurs from leading smart grid, energy efficiency and solar financing companies.
