University to publish energy metrics via social networking

This one is sort of in-your-face: the University of Mississippi (aka Ole Miss) is working with smart grid technology company SmartSynch to create real time updates of its energy consumption reduction process for Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds.

You can be sure that students, at least, will be well abreast of whether or not Ole Miss is making its goals. The idea is that the more they are aware of what's going on, the more likely that these goals will be met.

The alerts will be a component of the online dashboard for SmartSynch SmartMeters that have been installed across the university's campus in Jackson, Miss. Currently, there are 16 meters installed that are keeping tabs on the schools main buildings, including its oldest one, the Lyceum. Other meters are being installed, and each building will have a unique profile in several social networks.

Here's a screenshot of what the updates would look like on Facebook.

Although this isn't exactly related, it's worth including a link here about SmartSynch's SmartKids program, which focuses on teaching children about energy usage and how to help conserve.