In addition to improving the world with PowerMeter, Google also might soften criticisms of its own dramatic energy use.

FORBES: Google Gets 'Smart'

Another cool project: the Google Powermeter, software that analyzes home electricity consumption.

FORBES: DOE's $30 Billion Man Speaks

We imagine Health and PowerMeter are already plotting their trip down south, to get in a few thousand rounds of golf with Video Store at Pebble Beach.

ENGADGET: Google 'retires' Health and PowerMeter, lets you save your vitals through 2012

First West Coast utilities to join up include Puget Sound Energy, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Seattle City Light, and Xcel Energy, and nope, none of those overlap with PowerMeter's first enlistees.

ENGADGET: Microsoft unveils Hohm beta for overanalyzing your home energy usage

Also on the chopping block is PowerMeter, a free energy monitoring tool that pairs with smart power meters and other energy monitoring devices to help users better understand consumption habits and ultimately reduce costs.

ENGADGET: Google 'retires' Health and PowerMeter, lets you save your vitals through 2012