The New South Wales Government is calling for volunteers to live rent free in a so-called smart home in Sydney for a year.
The Minister for Energy, John Robertson says the family will be testing the latest technology, to save energy and water.
"This trial is about taking smart green technologies out of the
lab and putting them to the test in the real world with a real
family," he said.
"We're looking for a family with children because we know that
kids use technology different to their parents."
The home is in the old Olympic Village in Newington and is powered
by rooftop solar panels and a fuel cell that converts natural gas
into electricity.
There will be an electric car, 'organic' LED TV, and technology
that will enable the family to turn lights and appliances on and
off from an iphone or laptop.
Mr Robertson says the family will be asked to write about their
experiences. He also says the technology might put the family to
the test "We need someone who can blog."
"And we'll probably need a family who's got a good sense of
humour and plenty of patience, because not everything we test in
the house we know is going to work perfectly every time."
He says it will be a unique experience. "This project is a bit
like "The Jetsons" meet "Big Brother.
But the minister for Energy says there will be no cameras,
instead, energy and water use will be monitored.
He says all rent and utilities will be covered.
The family will be selected in April or May and will move into
the house for approximately 12-months from June or July this year.
It is the first of its kind to be trialed in Australia.
Interested families can apply through www.tenderlink.com/energy