The PowerCost Monitor by Blue Line Innovations

When I lived in Japan, I was always feeling the pinch of electricity bills, but it wasn't because of overconsumption. In Japan, the electricity meter is near the front door (see above picture), so I was always opening the door to see how fast the meter was spinning. After looking at the meter, I'd walk around and unplug things that didn't need to be plugged in. The problem is, in the US, there's no easy access to the meter, especially in the traditional single-family home. And this is why a new product by Blue Line Innovations is helping electricity customers use an average of 6.5% less electricity (typical savings of 5-20% electricity). The product is called the PowerCost Monitor and can be purchased online.

The PowerCost Monitor is a real time, direct-feedback device that tells you home much electricity you are using and how much that electricity is costing you. There are two pieces: (1) a low-power infrared sensor unit that reads the meter (disk or digital) and transmits usage information to the display unit; and (2) the display unit (pictured right) that shows you the cost of energy, how much you've used, etc. A large utility provider in Canada, Hydro One, purchased 30,000 units to pass on to its customers. 50 other utilities are lining up for the technology. At $150 for the entire setup, I think the device is a great idea for residential developers--anyone can install the sensor unit and the display unit will be helpful for new homeowners that are trying to keep the bills down. This is such a simple, yet effective solution to make consumption conspicuous. Japan Door Picture via Flickr.