Google Joins Smart Meter Coalition

The Demand Response and Advanced Metering Coalition (which likes to call itself DRAM) welcomed a famous new member today—Google—as part of its quest to promote technology that will let utilities curb power remotely.

The search giant spends a significant amount of time on energy matters. For one thing, it has become one of the largest individual consumers of electric power in the country. When plotting out new datacenters, Google examines the cost of power in the area as well as the potential availability of things like ambient air cooling which can cut down air conditioning and power consumption. Additionally, the company tends to be an early adopter of energy efficient components, such as efficient power supplies, because these parts can cut expenses.

Conceivably, smart metering could help Google cut down on the power going into lights, air conditioners and other appliances on its campus.

There is also a personal angle too. Founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have both often talked openly about their own desires to see the world move away from coal and oil. Both have invested individually in companies like Nanosolar and Tesla Motors. (Brin also owns a bunch of electric cars, like the Tango featured in this here video.) Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm, invests in clean startups. Meanwhile CEO Eric Schmidt goes around the country giving speeches about how the U.S. can wean itself from fossil fuels.

But is Google really getting anything done, or does it just like to be associated with hip and groovy causes? One solar exec told me that the company can bring legitimacy and attention in Washington. Google is a big name that can open doors, the exec said. The company can also serve as a third party to validate a concept. When it says that it supports solar, that comes across as stronger (and less self-interested) than when solar companies ask for help.