Facebook app lets you share your power usage

NEW YORK (AP) ? People share all sorts of life events on Facebook. A new app lets you share even more ? your energy usage.

Facebook, the Natural Resources Defense Council, energy information software maker Opower and 16 U.S. utilities launched the free app on Tuesday. The app connects your energy utility to your Facebook account, with your permission, and posts your energy usage each month.

This being Facebook, the app urges competition among friends to see who has the most energy-efficient home. It also compares your energy use to similar homes in your area, as well as homes that are considered energy-efficient.

Participating utilities include National Grid in New York and Massachusetts, Austin Utilities in Minnesota and City of Palo Alto Utilities in California.

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Online:

http://social.opower.com

Associated Press

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