GridPoint

Electric utilities aren't exactly a model of efficiency — but it's not all their fault. Industry regulations require them to generate considerably more electricity than consumers actually use outside of peak times, which means much of that energy gets wasted. The result is a dumb, extravagant grid. But GridPoint changes that. The company — which its CEO likes to call "TiVo for energy" — provides smart batteries that keep track of and regulate your home electricity supply. If you receive too much — which might happen if you're also using your own solar panels — GridPoint's battery will store the excess power for later, just like TiVo will saves your Family Guy reruns. GridPoint makes the grid smart — and that's a sustainable idea in an energy-constrained world.