The pilot project will include about 10, 000 households, and these residents could create an online account to not only view their reports but also browse rebates offered by the water district to buy water-efficient household items such as clothes washers and toilets or to change the landscaping of their lawns to use drought-resistant, native plants.

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This is exactly what we observe for goods such as toasters, TVs, iPods, washers and dryers.

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Shortly before meeting Dr Kabamba, your correspondent interviewed a group of Congolese ore-washers who were delighted to have found such lucrative work.

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The energy consumption data also could help home and business owners take stock of their energy use and take actions to save money, such as putting in more energy efficient light bulbs and appliances or running washers and dryers only when electric rates are low.

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