As it turns out, with near real-time feedback, most electricity consumers will take action to reduce energy usage, according to information released by CenterPoint Energy.  CenterPoint conducted a pilot program with 300 Texas customers using a simple in-home display (IHD) wirelessly connected to a smart meter.  Consumers used the IHD to obtain electricity usage data and a forecast of monthly usage and costs, spurring them to turn off lights, adjust the indoor temperature, and switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

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Dash is a new LED task light by Details, a Steelcase company, that was designed in collaboration with Foster + Partners.  The modern lamp is said to be the first LED task lamp to achieve BIFMA Level 1 certification — it has a mercury-free LED and PVC-free wiring — and made with 32% recycled content.  Dash [$] includes a 3,500 K, 8-watt LED and a 50,000-hour rated life.  It has a 32″ horizontal and 22 3/4″ vertical reach.

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Blue Line Innovations, maker of the PowerCost Monitor for tracking home energy use, recently introduced a new partnership with the People Power Company which includes a new mobile app called People Power 1.0.  Now, abandoned Hohm and PowerMeter users can switch over to People Power 1.0 for real-time electricity data, real-time pricing, budgeting, gaming, social interaction, and other information.

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Recently Southwest Windpower announced the availability of the popular Skystream 3.7 wind turbine at select Home Depot stores.  The move puts small wind within reach of more customers as the industry expands every year.  Southwest will start the installation program in Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and California with additional states in the near future.

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Velux introduced the Lovegrove chandelier about a year ago, and, with a best of the best Red Dot 2010 award, the sunlight diffuser is getting more and more interest.  Designed by Ross Lovegrove, the lamp works in conjunction with Velux sun tunnels.  Lovegrove’s orb reflects natural sun light to the ceiling for room distribution and can be adjusted for intensity and angle.  The product is supposed to be available starting this month; find and contact a Velux distributor for pricing and availability.

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