The new UFO powerstrip (Photo courtesy of earth2tech)

They don’t fly, but the new UFO-shaped devices from Palo Alto-based startup, Visible Energy, will help users save electricity and fight Vampire energy (also known as stand-by power) with sophisticated technology and an attractive design.

Using advanced energy-management software, the strips automatically record appliances’ consumption, store data for up to two months, and allow users to control appliances via their iPhones, iPod Touch devices, or computers. Homeowners can view their energy usage and turn several strips on or off at once, and the strips can also be used in conjunction with timers, so that appliances are automatically shut off at pre-determined times.

Although the company was founded only a year ago, Visible Energy hopes to have “tens of thousands” of UFO strips produced by the end of the year.

• Related: “Are Energy Vampires Quietly Boosting Your Bills?” (e-Newswire, 11/06/06)
• Read background: “Visible Energy: Fighting Vampires With UFOs,” by Jennifer Kho (earth2tech, 4/4/09)