What do Smart Homes running off a Smart Energy Grid need to be complete? Why, Smart Plugs, of course!
The energy conservationists at Zerofootprint are adding IQ points to each outlet in the home with their new carbon emission-reducing socket supplements, called "TalkingPlugs™." Designed to fit right on top of an existing outlet, each TalkingPlug™ comes equipped with technology that enables control of a plugged-in appliance across a network as well as real-time measuring of energy consumption. You know how the "Stand-by" mode of every plugged in appliance or electronic device consumes electricity even when said device is turned off? The TalkingPlug™ can be programmed to cut power to the device during certain hours (sleepy time) to conserve electricity.
Widespread installation of TalkingPlugs™ across neighborhoods, municipalities and even the country will result in a sort of mesh network -- information gathered from each home can be sent to Zerofootprint and individual homes can check in to see how their energy usage compares to others.
The current $50/plug price is a little prohibitive. I want to conserve, but I also want to have enough money to actually pay the electricity bill (lower though it may be). I'm not sure if I'm sold on the name, either. I envision cartoonish plastic wall pods from some animated kids' movie fighting for the attention of the human characters. "Plug ME!" "No, plug ME!" Lower the price, change the name, and I'm as game as the next guy.
It doesn't get as much news coverage as health care, war in the Middle East, or little boys flying off in their parents' homemade UFO, but the Smart Grid is a topic worthy of our nation's attention.
The Smart Grid plans for spreading alternative clean energy (wind, solar) from places where it is produced to places where it is consumed. It will also increase the security and reliability of the nation's energy resources.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) says its plans for a national Smart Grid are well underway. The end goal, of course, is greater energy independence and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. All the head-spinning details of the Smart Grid can be found on the NIST's Smart Grid site.
How does this effect you? It's a reasonable assumption that homeowners across the States will have to become pretty familiar with smart metering, energy monitoring and other energy-saving devices in their home. This isn't necessarily a bad thing -- two-way smart meters can inform homeowners when the price of electricity is on the rise during the day, allowing homeowners to run big appliances like washers and driers at cheaper times. Yes, it's more technology to integrate into our lives, but if it saves money in the long run, who wouldn't be game?
How will the Smart Grid be paid for? That's another question altogether. My guess: It's either coming out of our taxes, or the rates on energy are going to rise.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration recently announced that the government now has sufficient funding to redistribute two rebate coupons for converter boxes per household, which will help analog TV watchers make the switch to digital in time for the extended June 12 deadline.
"With the backlog of applications now eliminated, consumers can apply for coupons and get assistance right away, allowing them to continue to receive important local television news and emergency information by purchasing a converter box at a reduced cost," says Anna Gomez, an NTIA administrator.
Consumers will get a $40 rebate on the digital converter boxes, which means that they'll be able to buy a converter for just a few dollars.
Are you environmentally conscious and have a plot of land but no house? My Green Home in a Box may be the solution for you. Constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs), it can be assembled by a licensed contractor in days. It has 965 square feet of air-conditioned space, is hurricane-resistant and includes a solar water heating system, interior finishes, fixtures, kitchen cabinets and appliances. It makes for a great free standing house or addition. It is estimated to be walk-in ready for under $100,000. Not bad.
Modular homes are becoming a buzzword again as property prices plummet and hopeless homeowners auction off their houses. The New York Times recently posted a blog called "Reinventing Modular Housing as Green" about rising trends in modular home construction that can help homeowners save money while saving the environment. The blogger highlights the energy-efficient and sustainable quality of modular components like walls that are sealed together with screws and glue instead of just nails to increase insulation and floors made of biodegradable bamboo. Sound oddly familiar? That's because BobVila.com wrote about it here last year. We have the New York Times beat.
Yesterday President Obama made it official: The digital TV switch will be delayed until June 12th, giving unprepared analog TV viewers four more months to upgrade their equipment so they won't be looking at a blank screen.
President Obama walked into his new office to find technological legacies of the previous administration: outdated software, no wireless networks and the prohibition of smart phones. Updating the technology will be a challenge as the files stored in the archaic computers are protected under the Presidential Records Act, which obligates the President to store all records saved on these old computers.
Your workspace doesn’t have to carry the burden of a former administration though. Start wiring your office with these tips. First time installing a home office? Find solutions to plan your office space here.
