FARGO - Microsoft launched an enhanced version of its home energy tracking application in Fargo on Friday.
Microsoft Hohm is a free online application that tracks residential energy usage, including costs and environmental impacts, and offers suggestions for conserving energy.
The application has been available as an open public beta, or prototype, since July. Now, Microsoft teamed up with Xcel Energy to allow Xcel Energy customers to automatically upload their historical and ongoing energy usage data and pricing information into the application.
"We truly understand what it is to produce energy and the difference we can make to the country, but we'll start at home with the energy efficiency that we can bring to the table," said Mark Nisbet, Xcel Energy North Dakota principal manager.
After signing up for Microsoft Hohm, consumers enter information about their homes and receive an energy report with suggestions for saving energy and lowering their energy bills.
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Microsoft is working to form partnerships with more utilities.
"Our goal is to make this the best energy management application for homes, not only in the United States, but also worldwide," said Troy Batterberry, Microsoft Hohm principal product unit manager.
Microsoft Hohm is the brainchild of Batterberry, a West Fargo native and North Dakota State University graduate who now lives and works in Washington state.
Elected officials praised the application during the product launch on the Microsoft Fargo campus Friday.
"We have to have more tools for managing energy consumption and that's why I'm so pleased to see Microsoft stepping up and managing this Hohm product," said Tony Clark, North Dakota Public Service commissioner.
Clark said North Dakota has high per capita energy consumption due to the climate.
Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said the United States is by far the world's energy glutton.
"We're seeing with greater imperative than ever, we have got to get back to efficiency, conservation," he said.
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Microsoft Hohm is for the residential market. Microsoft is exploring options for businesses, Batterberry said.
Hohm will always be free to consumers, Batterberry said. The initial application is free to utilities. Later, Microsoft will sell Hohm demand management products and services to utilities.
Tracy Frank is a reporter at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, which is owned by
Forum Communications Co.
