German nuclear power utility, Yello Strom, and Microsoft Germany have developed the Yello Sparzahler, an online meter that lets users know exactly how they are using energy in their homes. The meter provides second-to-second usage data from appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, stereo system, and the water heater. The information is available to users from a browser or Vista gadget.

“This is a great example of how software can help us achieve new levels of energy efficiency in every aspect of our lives,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “In the years ahead, software-based innovations that make homes more intelligent so we use only the energy we need for lighting, heating, and cooling is just one of the ways information technology will help us protect the environment by using natural resources more efficiently.”
The companies say the Yello Sparzahler has the potential to save consumers up to 10% of their energy consumption.

Martin Vesper, CEO of Yello: “We have developed a cost-efficient solution for consumers with the yellow Sparzähler enabling them to efficiently and intelligently use energy. Our Sparzähler makes the consumption of energy transparent and simplifies the saving of energy. That is the best form of environmental protection available on the energy market today. The partnership with Microsoft enables us access to software technological opportunities aimed to rapidly implement our many ideas for the more intelligent and efficient use of energy today and in future.”

The Yello Sparzahler leverages a range of Microsoft technologies, including its Windows CE operating system for the customer premise client, BizTalk Server, Windows Server and SQL Server for the backup systems, and its .NET and Windows Presentation Foundation for the core programming and design of the website.

MICROSOFT BUILDING GREEN DATA CENTRES:
Ballmer also outlined the software-giant‘s green initiatives, including the construction of two new data centres in Dublin, Ireland and Quincy, Washington State based on environmental factors. The Ireland site was selected for its year-round cool temperatures that reduce energy requirements for cooling while the Quincy site was selected for its proximity to a large hydro electric plant.

At the same time, Ballmer said Microsoft will also make public a set of data centre best practices for corporate users based on its own experience in optimising its data centres.