On its official company blog, Google said it is developing a smart grid tool called Google PowerMeter that will show home energy consumption almost in real time on a user's computer.

We were able to create time- and volume-dependent tariffs, but eventually we'll need to make tariffs that depend on weather, energy availability, grid load, and other variables.

These efforts will provide invaluable data on the benefits and cost-effectiveness of the Smart Grid, including energy and cost savings.