Anyone use Google PowerMeter

[korygrandy]

Basically Google offers a service to monitor your energy usage online using energy information provided by utility smart meters and energy monitoring devices.

http://www.google.com/powermeter

This is definitely something interesting that I want to pursue but my energy company (Excel Energy) is not listed as a partner. I will be doing some more research to see if any of these energy monitoring devices are compatible with my setup.

My question is, has anyone else had any experience with this service from Google?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

That's something I would be interested in but my provider is not a participating partner. We had "smart" meters installed last year but they won't be put online till later this spring.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

Very interesting. Not available for me yet either.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

Yes.

I signed up and was accepted awhile ago.
It's handy, You can view Monthly, weekly and daily views...

 

[Cofe]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

Google PowerMeter would be a good way to monitor usage with a smart meter.
Contact your local power provider to find out what it costs for installing these meters. Some companies charge a extra monthly sure charge. Here is a example of what one company charges.
Existing Home Meter Prices?
SmartPower Single Phase 240V Meter $171.00
SmartPower Three Phase 415V Meter $268.00
Program existing Electronic Time of Use Meter
to SmartPower^
$66.00
New Home* Meter Prices?
SmartPower Single Phase 240V Meter $66.00
SmartPower Three Phase 415V Meter
A connection fee of $240.40 also applies to any
newly built home installing a three phase meter
$66.00

 

[jm_26]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

I have not, but a friend did a while back. He had been griping at his wife and kids about wasting power. He was able to show them a trend and point outbwhen his wife got home from work and when the kids got home from school, and show how the energy use went up tremendously. He said it made a difference for a while...lights got turned off when no one was in the room, TVs weren't left on, doors weren't left open. For a while he saved money, but kids and wives have short memories.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

Good stuff. Data collection is crucial for problem solving and saving energy. I have designed and programmed industrial S.C.A.D.A. (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems and have experienced tremendous savings in energy costs. Although this is not as elaborate it is a useful tool for analyzing and controlling one's energy costs

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

I have not, but a friend did a while back. He had been griping at his wife and kids about wasting power. He was able to show them a trend and point outbwhen his wife got home from work and when the kids got home from school, and show how the energy use went up tremendously. He said it made a difference for a while...lights got turned off when no one was in the room, TVs weren't left on, doors weren't left open. For a while he saved money, but kids and wives have short memories.

I must be in his club.. I too try to watch the bill. My wife has a horrible habit of turning on a light in any room she'll go to but leave it on.. She'll do this with the TV's in the house... Retire to a room for 30 minutes or more.. If I mention it to her she'll say "I'm going back in there". Grr....

I did win one power battle.. If we left for a night, she would leave a light on and the TV.. So the dogs "wouldn't" think they were alone.........I love my dogs, but they do not need a light or a TV. There dogs.....

I've just made a habit of walking though the house and turning off the lights... Heh, Last night I just said something... Every light was on in the house except the basement, bathroom and spare room.. But only 2 rooms where occupied. I should buy stock in the utility company..... Might get some of my money back

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

A buddy was having trouble with the wife keeping the house too warm. When the next $800 propane bill came he made her pay it. Problem solved.

 

[64osby]

Re: Anyone use Google PowerMeter

I have contacted our power supplier and they will provide a daily read out, graph, of power usage. We have used it to try and figure out spikes in our usage. Electric wire ice melt system is a huge power hog.

They will also, free of charge, loan a meter which will tell you how much power a specific item uses, std 110v. You can plug it in to any fridge, freezer, space heater, tv, ........ Old style Christmas lights are a huge power hog. Buying new ones can be a one year payoff.