In early 2012, Facebook will launch a yet-to-be-named app that will allow 800 million users to access home energy usage information provided by their utility company. This 'Social Energy Application' will help users manage their energy.
In this new app, key features will include a 'Friend Comparison Feature' that will allow users to compare their usage to similar homes across the country as well as energy-saving tips that may help in reducing your monthly bills. Chat rooms will also be set up that will allow users to join in on conversations about home energy. Users will also be able to automatically or manually import data that allows them to track their household energy.
There have been several other attempts at similar energy-tracking apps already by Google and Microsoft, but Facebook is confident that their new app will click. According to Matt Hickman, "Commonwealth Edison (Chicago and environs), the city of Palo Alto, Calif. (natch), and Glendale Water & Power (Los Angeles County) will be the first three utilities to allow a combined total of 4 million customers to seamlessly import energy usage data into the new app when it launches. It's expected that other utility companies will follow."
FULL STORY: Facebook Unveils 'Social Energy' App

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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