*Note – this is not a sponsored post. I’m just a frugal nerd that gets excited about this stuff.
I’ve always thought it weird that in this day and age, the utility company has to send someone out once a month to read our meter. Don’t we have technology to do this? Apparently we do. Yesterday I got a letter in the mail from our local electric utility explaining that in the next two weeks they are going to install SmartMeterTM automated meter readers in our area. These meters will automatically transmit data directly to the utility company.
Hooray!
Now, instead of just seeing a monthly bill with overall usage I’ll be able to go online and:
- Review my previous day’s usage
- Track my electric use hour-by-hour
- Compare my energy use month-by-month
I’m always looking at ways to cut our electricity costs and I think this will help me do that. I’ll be able to see at what times our usage spikes, make adjustments and see the impact the next day. I think that’s pretty cool.
I know this technology isn’t new, there are approximately 76 million of these devices deployed worldwide, but it’s new to me and I think it’s going to be a useful tool in helping me to conserve energy and cut costs. And I like that!
Hi, I’m Cathy! I’m a former career-driven professional turned stay-at-home mom. Living on one salary has its challenges, but it is possible to live the good life while spending less. Cool to be Frugal is all about how we’re thriving, not just surviving, on a single income.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow that is really neat! Here in Cairo we have a guy that comes by once a month and he also collects our money… It was very shocked the first time when a guy knocked on my door and demanded money from me! Luckily they replaced the rude guy and a very sweet well manored man now collects my cash.
Thanks,
Forest.
http://frugalzeitgeist.com
Ugh! I don’t think I would like it very much if someone showed up at my door demanding money. I’m glad you at least have someone nice coming around now.
Here in Germany we get our bill only once a year!! In January someone comes to our house to read the meter. The meter is also in the house so I have to let her in. I am sure everyone is not always home, and it must be a great inconvenience for the power company…I love the idea of it all being avaiable online! Great motivation to keep trying to conserve!
That’s amazing, once a year? I think that would drive me crazy. Do you think seeing your bill monthly or even your usage daily would help you conserve more?