While Microsoft attempts to infiltrate every household with its Windows OS, dominate the Internet with its latest web browser, and capture the heart of every gamer with the Xbox 360, the company also wants consumers to save energy and money in the process with its latest beta tool, Microsoft Hohm.

The scary part about Hohm--besides its obvious play on the words Home and ohm--is that Microsoft wants virtual access to your electric bill. But in the long run, the company only seeks to provide tips on how to save energy and money based on the household's current usage.

According to Microsoft, Hohm is built on the Windows Azure cloud operating system and utilizes both Bing and the Microsoft Advertising platform, allowing the new tool to be accessible from any current web browser. Hohm also uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy, providing consumers with "personalized energy-saving recommendations." Microsoft said that these recommendations could range from placing new caulking on windows to installing a programmable thermostat.

"The savings will vary based on the information shared and the characteristics of consumers’ households," the company said. "If consumers don’t provide their data, Microsoft Hohm will base its recommendations on local and national averages. Microsoft Hohm will leverage the energy usage data and feedback from its users to refine and improve the accuracy and relevancy of recommendations. In addition, consumers will be able to compare their energy usage with that of others in their area and connect with the Microsoft Hohm community to find referrals and exchange ideas."

For now, only four "partners" have signed on: Seattle City Light, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Xcel Energy, and Puget Sound Energy. Microsoft added that consumers who are customers of one of its partners would eventually be able to set up their account to automatically upload their energy usage data into the Hohm application. For now, the current beta version is free to use for anyone with an Internet connection living in the United States. Interested consumers can opt into the program by requesting access through Facebook, Twitter, or providing a valid email address.

"We believe technology will play a pivotal role in tackling the global energy issues we currently face," said Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft. "Microsoft Hohm demonstrates how a combination of advanced software and Internet-based services can help people track, understand and manage their personal energy usage."

Microsoft Hohm launches next week.