How do you Monitor your Electricity Usage?

After my electricity supplier provided one of the 'smart meters' and I discovered that it outputs XML over the RJ45 serial connection, I've been looking at ways to disseminate and use this data, not to mention store it. I wondered what other people are using/doing, or if people just don't bother and rely solely on their bills?

I also suspect a device like this won't be the best way to monitor electricity usage in a 3 phase warehouse setup.

Top Comments

gadget.iom over 6 years ago +2

Monitoring electricity in Gadget Towers is easy...
The meter runs out of credit and I'm plunged into darkness.
dougw over 6 years ago +2

I don't monitor electricity, I actively try to save power, have switched to LED lights, design low power circuits, etc. But when I need electricity I don't begrudge the cost. Fortunately, there is a lot…
the-dubster over 5 years ago +2

Just got a VERY cheap Scottish Power device - almost identical to the pictured one. (My wife works in a charity shop, and some stuff no-one else but me will buy, that equals cheap random electronics and…

the-dubster over 5 years ago in reply to cstanton

I'm pretty sure mine states that it's an included function - let's hope it isn't turned off else it isn't worth the £1 I paid for it . . . . . . .
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cstanton over 5 years ago in reply to the-dubster

All of the above we all have challenges!

I noticed the energy monitor I'm using allegedly allows for communication with remote monitors, too, but I suspect it's been limited/set in firmware not to.
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the-dubster over 5 years ago in reply to cstanton

Christopher Stanton wrote:

Cool, let us know how you get on

With regard to hooking it up to my PC, getting some more remote monitors or convincing my wife to let me rip apart a perfectly serviceable energy monitor?
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cstanton over 5 years ago in reply to the-dubster

Cool, let us know how you get on
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the-dubster over 5 years ago

Just got a VERY cheap Scottish Power device - almost identical to the pictured one. (My wife works in a charity shop, and some stuff no-one else but me will buy, that equals cheap random electronics and 6 IKEA GU10 3W LED spots for less than the cost of 1)!!

It actually has PC connectivity included so an ethernet cable may be getting plugged in soon. There is also an option to add 9 remote current monitors, gonna price some up to see if my cheap meter becomes expensive . . . .

My old unit with wireless current clamp is also now free to hack, just gotta convince my better half!
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cstanton over 5 years ago in reply to kas.lewis

Ooh, this looks shiny, thanks!
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kas.lewis over 5 years ago

cstanton With regards to this poll, you can check this out and let me know what you think. It's a relatively easy to implement solution and at 240V and 15A pretty versatile.

Kas
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dougw over 6 years ago

I don't monitor electricity, I actively try to save power, have switched to LED lights, design low power circuits, etc. But when I need electricity I don't begrudge the cost. Fortunately, there is a lot of hydroelectric power around here. My province has phased out coal entirely - the biggest green initiative in North America.
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DAB over 6 years ago

I have used a smart controller for my house for decades.

I read the previous days usage and mark it on a calendar.

When I get ambitious, I analyze the data to see if there are any anomalies in my usage that might indicate a problem.

I know that the newer devices have all of the fancy capabilities, but I am just satisfied with my simple system.

DAB
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gadget.iom over 6 years ago

Monitoring electricity in Gadget Towers is easy...
The meter runs out of credit and I'm plunged into darkness.
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