In our final blog post showing the different ways to save energy, I thought it would be good to go over some of the different ways to monitor your energy bill. I like to think that I am far too busy to read (let alone understand!) my utility bill. There are numbers, kilowatts, and other data that the average person just doesn't understand. So here's a little guide on some different monitoring software that will help you save money and more importantly use less energy.
1) 
Opower
is a company that will take data from your neighborhood and tell you
where you fit in according to energy used and money sent. It will
collect the data a send you a monthly report with all the different ways
you are spending energy. While knowing how much energy you use each
month is elementary, this program lays it out in an easy to read
format.
Opower
is a company that will take data from your neighborhood and tell you
where you fit in according to energy used and money sent. It will
collect the data a send you a monthly report with all the different ways
you are spending energy. While knowing how much energy you use each
month is elementary, this program lays it out in an easy to read
format.
The downside to this program is that the
individual consumer can't subscribe. Opower works directly with utility
companies. So, if you're interested, you have to call up your electric
company to see if they will consider signing up.
2) EnergyHub is a set of gadgets that you plug on top of your outlets. You then place whichever device you want to
monitor (like your TV or computer) into this gadget. It will send the
energy used to a separate monitoring device that keeps track throughout
the month. It will also kill any electricity leaching to add savings.
monitor (like your TV or computer) into this gadget. It will send the
energy used to a separate monitoring device that keeps track throughout
the month. It will also kill any electricity leaching to add savings.
If cutting costs is important to you,
EnergyHub may not be the best bet. With a minimum price tag of $300 per
kit, you will have to monitor your energy usage for quite a while before
this gadget pays for itself.
3)
ThinkEco
has a similar product called a Modlet. If I were to suggest an
introductory device, this would be it. You plug in the Modlet into your
outlet and it will automatically (and wirelessly!) track energy use from
the device plugged into it. You can track on your computer, set up
weekly schedules and even shut down devices from your cell phone.
ThinkEco
has a similar product called a Modlet. If I were to suggest an
introductory device, this would be it. You plug in the Modlet into your
outlet and it will automatically (and wirelessly!) track energy use from
the device plugged into it. You can track on your computer, set up
weekly schedules and even shut down devices from your cell phone.
The price point is $50 per Modlet kit, so
if you want to track your refrigerator, computer, TV, phone charger,
and alarm clock, it will add up to a lot of dough. But, this may be a
good entry point for seeing exactly where you spend your money on
electricity.
For more information on how to use less energy, I'd recommend going to the MN Power of One Portal. There is SOOOOO much good information for whether you're just starting out or are already exploring alternative energies.
Related Articles-
1) 10 Ways Big Data is Remaking Energy. (gigaom.com)
2) Do Smart Energy Gadgets Actually Save You Money? (moneyexpert.com)
