On March 22, 2012, the Obama administration announced that he brokered a deal with nine major electricity utilities to commit they will show more than 15 million households access to data about their own energy use with a simple click of an online “Green Button.”

This data has the potential to not only help businesses and consumers understand how they are using energy, but it also opens the door for third-party technology companies to develop interactive applications and “smart” appliances that empower consumers to make wiser energy decisions.

After discussions with Markey’s office, GLG (yes the Green Living Guy) confirmed that the Congressman will introduce legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives to make every electric utility share the data about their energy use.

“I applaud the President for his leadership in getting utility companies to agree to share energy data with their customers. From cars to cornflakes, consumers make better decisions when they have facts and data. It’s time we empower electricity consumers with information as well,” said Rep. Markey, the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee. “But energy information shouldn’t be something that only a small portion of American households have access to. All Americans should have the right to access their energy data so that they can better reduce energy waste and shrink their bills. That’s why I will soon be introducing legislation that would require all electricity companies to make this information available to their customers.”

Source: Office of Congressman Ed Markey

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