Cloud, Web Hold Potential For Large Energy Savings

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new report from a Washington-based nonprofit says technology and the Internet hold the potential for large energy savings by networking homes, buildings, factories, transportation systems and other energy users.

The report was released Tuesday by the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy, a group that advocates energy efficiency.

The group says the approach could cut energy use by as much as 22 percent.

The council says the approach called "intelligent efficiency" moves beyond making individual devices more efficient.

Weather forecasts, for example, could be used to decide to pre-cool buildings before temperatures and electricity demand rise.

Sensors could also lower air conditioning and lighting if a building is not occupied. And signs across communities could be networked to provide energy-saving information.

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