Google's new online Powermeter tool allows householders to monitor their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Google believes that being able to see your electricity usage in real time will encourage consumers to reduce their overall consumption and save themselves money.

UK users wanting to use the tool will need an advanced electricity meter or "smart meter."

The Powermeter home page states that

Many of today's smart meters don't display information to the consumer. Consumers should have access to data on their personal electricity use, control who gets to see this data and choose from a range of services to help them understand and benefit from this data.

The new tool could lead the way for companies claiming to be 'green' to show their customers real-time data of their energy consumption.