Still waiting for someone to invent free energy I think :-)

The government binned the whole idea about 18 months ago based on consultation feedback that they should focus on smartmeters instead. These are planned to be phased in by 2020.

http://www.greenbuildingpress.co.uk/article.php?article_id=376
just noticed this 'Energy monitors available from the library' if you live in Merton

Here in Worcester, too. I was thinking about buying some wholesale as part of a business plan, but didn't want to proceed if everyone was about to get them free anyway. We have had one for a while and they really make you notice your wasted energy consumption.

The main source of inaccuracy is that they generally only measure current; you have to set the mains voltage when you set it up. If you get that wrong, or the mains voltage varies significantly they won't be accurate. Power factor is also a potential source of inaccuracy, but not likely to be very large in domestic usage.

For their intended purpose accuracy is not important. They let you find which are the largest consumers and track down small loads that are on for a long time wasting power. You only need a relative indication for these things, not absolute accuracy.

If you need higher accuracy there are other relatively inexpensive devices available, but they aren't generally simple plugin devices with a simplistic display.

We bought an Owl a few months ago and generally like it. The biggest gripe I have is the lack of resolution. It displays units of a Watt, but only has a resolution of 20 or so (did measure it, but can't remember exactly). I tried to find things like chargers and other small loads, but had to switch a few off before the reading changed. Still a good product though and would always recommend them.

HTH,
Bri.

Hi jon, your home meter measures energy and the Owl measures power.
energy = power x time

If you leave a light on, the Owl will tell you that you are using 60W, to see this on your home meter you would have to wait a while and see if you had used any more energy ie the meter reading had advanced.

Hope that makes sense,
Bri.

Thanks, that's what I thought it did. I use one of those through monitors for individual pieces of kit (accurate to 0.1 watts) so I doubt an Owl would be of much use

What would be useful for me would be something like an Owl that can itemise each bit of kit.

Jon
Most of the wireless whole house meters have a up/down display , so when you turn on and of a single item
it show the Kw/cost , up or down as well as the total
I've several I lend to customers/friend (electricsave) and also got one free from Southern electric , signed up for a bit then cleared of to another supplier.
the SE ones the best and has various displays including cost/Kw used , up/down cost/Kw , day/evening/night usage bar graph , 1/7/30 days total usage in Kw , temperature and time + R45 plug ( must ask'em what thats for ,uploading data I presume)

cheers Jim

Just notice imeasure have launched a new version of the free domestic energy monitoring tool for small to medium businesses

http://www.smeasure.org.uk/

SMEasure is a free easy-to-use energy
management tool enabling your business
to measure, benchmark and target your
building’s energy use and emissions.
Designed by leading energy researchers at Oxford University, SMEasure connects
small and medium businesses (SMEs) with building energy management expertise and good practice.

http://www.imeasure.org.uk/

"It's free, it's new, and it helps YOU save energy and money.
Test your energy score - can you beat your best friends?
Get accurate facts on your home energy use.
See the difference your energy saving actions are really making and compete with friends for the top spot.
REGISTER and start taking your gas and/or electric meter readings. "
"imeasure has been created by Oxford University's Environmental Change Institute, part of the UK Energy Research Centre. "