Introducing a new invention:
The Watt Watcher
Creator: John Meikle

Current Market Conditions
The world is currently facing an energy crisis.
We have already used half of all oil that exists on the planet.
Many efforts are being made to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
The Obama administration and many other governments around the
world are strong supporters of these efforts.
There is a lot of money going into
the field of alternative fuels.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

The "Green" Movement
There is also currently a "green" movement worldwide.
Everyone is becoming much more aware of topics such as global warming.
Many efforts are being made to reduce pollution and carbon footprints.
Still, the majority of our fuel and electricity sources are not environmentally friendly.
Many people do not realize that most of our electricity comes from burning coal or
from nuclear power plants. Electricity is not a clean source of energy.
The U.S. government and others are enforcing stricter policies.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Efficiency
Efficiency has been greatly overlooked as huge potential energy source.
Efficiency can slow down the energy crisis until we have a long-term solution.
According to Amory Lovins, an efficiency expert, we could save half of our oil
and gas and three-fourths of our electricity, just by using today's best efficiency
techniques.
Being efficient does not mean using our electricity less - It means having
appliances that waste less power.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

The Watt Watcher
My invention would be called The Watt
Watcher.
It would be like a regular power outlet,
except that it would display how much
power is being used by devices that are
plugged in.
This device would make everyone much
more aware of how much electricity they
are using.
Usually we only know from the electric bill
that comes once a month.
Most of us would be become more
efficient just from being more aware.
We could also get rid of old appliances
that are inefficient.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Purpose and Objectives
Objective - to make the Watt Watcher standard in
new homes.
Now is the perfect time to launch this product.
It would take advantage of the current popularity of
energy saving products.
It would save people money, make a profit, and also
help with the energy crisis.
It could have a major impact on national power
consumption.
The government might be interested in supporting a
product like this. Obama has suggested that he
wants to spend a lot of money on efficiency.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Special Features
The Watt Watcher could have an
off-switch to help prevent
'vampire' power.
'Vampire' is the name given to
devices that use power even when
they appear to be off.
Examples of Vampire power
devices are TV's and phone
chargers.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Comparison with like technologies
The Watt Watcher would be a simpler and
cheaper product than competitors. Most
similar items are expensive and are a hassle
to use. The Watt Watcher would be designed to
go on outlets throughout the entire house.
You would be able to check your watt usage
without having to do any setting up.
Similar Technologies:
Kill A Watt $20
Watt Minder $40
Power Cost Monitor $109
TED Model 1001 $120
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Development Environment
Development of this project should be fairly simple.
It would require an engineer with knowledge of electronics and of how to
create a simple display.
Once a prototype is created, it will need to be mass-produced.
It would need to expand quickly before competitors could make similar
products.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Execution Environment
The device will have to be quality tested thoroughly before it is released.
Once released, there should be an excellent market for it.
It can ride the wave of demand for green technology and energy saving
technology.
Additionally, it might receive some government funding for development
and promotion.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Sample Videos
Here is a youtube video about a similar device: http:
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l_mo1jwh8Y
Here is a youtube video about Vampire
Power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zgZfry82LC4
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Related Web Sites
Time Magazine article about efficiency: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,
9171,1869224,00.html
Time Magazine top ten green stories: http://www.time.
com/time/specials/2008/top10/article/0,30583,1855948_1863706,00.html
Helpful Electricity saving site:
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/
Energy Star - Government backed program for efficiency: http://www.
energystar.gov/
Boston Globe article about utility conservation efforts: http://www.boston.
com/business/personalfinance/articles/2009/10/08/utilities_support_11b_conservation_proposal/
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009

Conclusion
Efficiency is the most promising way for us to reduce energy
consumption in the short term.
The first step is understanding how we currently use our energy.
The Watt Watcher could be a great tool to help us to do that.
It could be an easy change that could have a national impact.
Right now could be a very successful time to release the Watt
Watcher.
John Meikle, Watt Watcher Inc., November 3, 2009