With the world going greener every day, Microsoft has joined the blossoming of verdurous growth by preparing a new website, Hohm. The website, slated to be launched next week during an energy conference, essentially monitors a home’s energy consumption. According to the website, “with Microsoft Hohm you can better understand your home energy usage, get recommendations to conserve energy and start saving.” By teaming with four of the major energy suppliers on the West coast, Hohm will calibrate a home’s total consumption of energy. Hohm can also accurately estimate a home’s energy usage even for those who are not on the grid of the four energy providers listed above. A sophisticated series of esoteric mathematical formulas is the engine that powers Hohm’s calculations, determining how much energy your refrigerator is using and how much it costs to keep your home at 69 degrees all day long.

Beyond the mere monitoring of energy usage, which alone is an eye-opening energy-saver, Hohm will also make recommendations on how to cut back on energy costs. As energy costs rise, environmental concerns heighten, and legislation on conservation are discussed, consumers would do well to curb their energy appetites where they can. Hohm will show them how to do it. Beyond merelty turning off unnecessary lights, Hohm can suggest the cost-saving alternative of buying an energy-efficient washing machine or changing out an old central air unit. Perhaps some consumers may go even greener by purchasing a solar water heating system or an electricity-generating windmill.

How much money will it save? Troy Batterberry who is managing the development and launch of the new program, estimates that consumers will save as much as 10%. A 10% nationwide energy reduction is an impressive statistic, all things considered. But, as Batterberry explains, the website is about more than just consumers saving pennies. In a Reuters interview, Batterberry spoke of Hohm being a tool that will prevent the building of new power plants, saving money for individuals, industries, and the government.

Although it already sounds very impressive, Hohm is only in its infantile stages, claim Microsoft representatives. They have big plans for the future. Soon water consumption will be monitored, along with natural gas, propane, and heating oil. Microsoft’s Hohm may also begin to roll out its own line of smart thermostats, energy-efficient plugs, and other energy-saving hardware devices. Hohm may be home to a whole new industry niche for Microsoft as they develop advanced information, real-time statistics, and a host of other services.

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