Reports that the University of Mississippi will broadcast energy use statistics on some of its buildings via Facebook and Twitter raises the question of what role social media will play in boosting energy conservation.

News earlier this year that Google and Microsoft will offer services that track home energy usage underscored how technology can provide real time energy data to consumers and added a measure of high tech cool to the smart grid and energy conservation efforts. The latest news suggests that social media networks can also play a role not only in providing timely information in an easily accessible manner, but possibly also in popularizing energy conservation.

Could we see a day in the not-so-distant-future where Facebook users post and brag about their energy savings like many currently crow about their Bejeweled Blitz scores? Or will such data be lost in the information overload, superseded by what Twitterers had for breakfast that morning? The answers likely lie in how well we can engage and educate the public about the financial savings that can be attained along with the importance to energy and environmental sustainability.