California utility pilot is part smart meter, part Flickr

When you’re talking about the “internet of things,” there’s no telling which direction the technology might lead you in. So how about this one? Digital photograph frames that not only let you see what your sister’s Jack Russell in Madison looks like after this morning’s visit to the groomer … but also let you know how much more you’re spending on electricity after turning on the air conditioner.

That’s the application being tested in California, according to this article from the Glendale News-Press. The paper reports that local utility Glendale Power & Water — currently in the middle of a smart meter rollout — has teamed up with digital photo-frame maker Ceiva to test a new way of getting customers to pay attention to their electricity and water consumption. With a bit of a tweak to its wireless application, Ceiva has configured a few of its frames to connect with smart-meter data from the utility company. The city is now looking for volunteers willing to get a free “smart” frame and test it at home.

“It’s really fun,” the newspaper quoted Jim Sepe, Ceiva’s chief technology officer and early “guinea pig” for the smart-frame pilot. “I learned that if I did this or that, or turned my Jacuzzi down a few degrees, I was saving money.”