Power Monitoring

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freitasm

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#488951 3-Jul-2011 22:42

ronw: Mmmm It starts to look fairly expensive for what should be a simple device. Am I correct in stating earlier that Google have abandoened Powermeter

There are cheaper devices that allow you to check power consumption on individual power outlets. But they are not intelligent and won't store data.

What CurrentCost (and similar) devices offer are a means to read power consumption, transfer to a PC, and in some cases even upload to an online storage, which allows you to use this data to generate charts or provide this information via APIs to other services.

The CurrentCost device plus the bridge (TPC/IP plug) cost about $250. It's a pay once, use forever fee. The CurrestCost.com website offer data storage for free, forever. I don't think it's "expensive", seeing it offers a lot more than the cheaper alternative.

jonherries

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#489268 4-Jul-2011 16:59

It would be good to have on top of that an individual plug transmitter (like centameter) to split out usage, with an incorporated electronically programmable timer switch and thermo switch.

That way we could be getting remote programmable thermal and timer switches for oil heaters in bedrooms.

Man would that save some money!

Also you could do electric blanket ones.

Jon

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#489310 4-Jul-2011 18:53

ronw: Mmmm It starts to look fairly expensive for what should be a simple device. Am I correct in stating earlier that Google have abandoened Powermeter

It should not be a simple device at all, because it has to be safe as well as converting analogue measurements into data that can be stored and retrieved. I expect a simple device would plug in the wall to measure current and display directly on the device for a good price. This Efergy one is more of a system and is based on a current-transformer so that usage is measured from induction, and then converted to digital.

Of course mobile phones should be simple too. They only need to make calls and send texts, but add enough digital features to turn it into a "smart phone" and the price goes over $500 plus any extra software apps you decide to buy later.

Time to find a new industry!

ronw

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#489462 5-Jul-2011 07:30

I was comparing costs of 200-300 dollars as expensive considering that I can buy a dtv recorder for around that price, or a medium size television both of which contain power circuitry, semiconductors, and a host of other expensive electronic components. The power device is probably just a single chip that does the measuring/reporting and another chip or two to store the data plus a readout screen.
I would think that on the ball power companies would sell a subsidized model customized to their own power company to encourage users to control their usage. I niow have a smart meter which presumably has the data somewhere but my company (Mercury) has made no effor to to take advantage of the smart meter to help their customers. Unfortunately I am locked into Mercury for a couple of years

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illicit

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#489469 5-Jul-2011 08:00

Why would a power retailer want to sell you less product?

gzt

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#489486 5-Jul-2011 08:43

ronw: [...] Unfortunately I am locked into Mercury for a couple of years

Mercury were offering the Onzo for $99 including installation. There are no details on their official mercury onzo site anymore - that might indicate the trial is now closed. Give them a call and see if you can get in somehow.

Avoid email. I emailed recently and got no response.

More details on the Mercury Onzo trial here if it helps.

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ronw

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#489493 5-Jul-2011 08:56

They would want you to manage your power because 1) They are obliged to under NZ Energy laws and 2) If you manage your power it makes it easier for mercury to manager theri power market and saves them money in the long run

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ronw

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#489520 5-Jul-2011 09:31

I contacted Mercury and as you surmised they have cancelled the trial of smart metering. No reason why.
They must have only offered it to a select few as I have been with them for years and never got wind of it. Sounds like I will have to go with one of the other options mentioned above

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#489693 5-Jul-2011 15:28

ronw: I contacted Mercury and as you surmised they have cancelled the trial of smart metering. No reason why.
They must have only offered it to a select few as I have been with them for years and never got wind of it. Sounds like I will have to go with one of the other options mentioned above

Don't know if they included it in any mail-outs ads, but it was available for sign up online for around 6 months or so.

The same device used to be available through Amazon as well, but they appear to be out of stock.

The Current Cost Trec and one of the cheaper Watts Clever Lite devices are in that price range, but neither offer the usb connectivity you are looking for.

The Current Cost Envi-R is by far the most expandable, computer/internet integrated, documented and developed for device on the market. Really. Buy the basic package and add the nice-to-haves when you need them.

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#489765 5-Jul-2011 18:42

Missed out the Efergy E2 in the cheaper range. E2 has PC connectivity for around $150.

ronw

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#492771 13-Jul-2011 09:42

Took the forums advice and went with CurrentCost Envir-R
Will see how this goes once I get my hands on it

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