In 2012, all UK households and businesses will receive electricity and gas smart meters as part of a programme initiated by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Ofgem [1]. Smart meters are considered to be instrumental in changing the way that energy is supplied and used as customers will be provided with real-time information about their consumption, allowing them to monitor and manage their energy use. Further to this, consumers will receive more accurate bills as estimated bills will be abolished, and visits from meter readers will be unnecessary. Consequently, not only will there be massive reductions in administration costs for the energy suppliers, but consumers will be able to switch between suppliers more efficiently and there will be a wider range of tariffs available. When introduced, smart meters are expected to play an important role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. But until then, an energy monitor serves to do the same, therefore these will be reviewed using the Which? guide to smart meters and energy monitors [2].
Energy monitors work like smart meters, however they can only measure electricity consumption from electrical impulses around the home. Generally, they have a display unit, a transmitter and a sensor – which is clipped to the cable which protrudes from the meter, in order to monitor the magnetic field around the power cable, and consequently the electrical current. Therefore they can show you in monetary terms how much electricity you are using and some have the ability to translate this into greenhouse gas emissions or allow you to compare data over different time periods. This will allow you to see if a change in daily habits affects your energy consumption and bills [3].
The Best Energy Monitors
The Owl CM119: This model received perfect ratings for the accuracy of measurement at 1kWh, 3kWh and 6 kWh and was considered by Which? to be the most accurate they had tested. It was the only model that could work on up to 4 tariffs (the maximum is generally 2) and it has a memory function to check data over time. The model is very easy to use as it has a quick start and trouble shooting guide, as well as a large LCD screen. On the downside, this model cannot be used in conjunction with a PC and it was thought that there was not enough information about how to use and find the more advanced functions.
Average Retail Price: Around £34
The Eco-Eye Elite: This model received perfect ratings for the accuracy of measurement at 1kWh and 3kWh, however it wavered a bit at 6kWh. There is a memory function which allows you to check consumption data over time and the model is compatible with a PC. Ease of use is good as the LCD display is large and only controlled by three buttons. There is also a quick set up option and trouble shooting guide. On the downside, this model can only support 1 tariff and it may be hard to fit to new power cables.
Average Retail Price: Around £40
The Owl CM130 Micro: This model again received perfect ratings for the accuracy of measurement at 1kWh and 3kWh, but also wavered at 6kWh. It is incredibly easy to use, has an easy-to read monitor and is very cheap. It is very basic with no memory function or compatibility with a PC, but it does have a cumulative display to calculate costs over a set time period. The price makes up for the downside of having the controls on the back of the unit, the compatibility with just one tariff and the possible difficulty of clamping the sensor on newer power cables.
Average Retail Price: Around £25
The Efergy E2 USB: This model received a perfect rating for the accuracy of measurement at 1kWh, relatively good at 3kWh and poorly at 6kWh. There is a memory function which allows you to check consumption over time and it is also compatible with a PC, providing all of the software and leads necessary unlike the other PC compatible models. This model has an easy-to read LCD screen and is fairly easy to use. On the downside, this model can only support 2 tariffs and can be hard to attach to newer power cables, therefore the price is a little steep.
Average Retail Price: Around £50.
In choosing an energy monitor it is important to consider the energy consumption of your property, as if you are only using small amounts, the accuracy of measurement at 6kWh will be redundant. If you want to analyse your consumption over time then it is important to pick a model with a memory function so you can assess how changing your habits affects your energy bills. However, if you simply want to monitor how much energy you are consuming, a more basic model may be preferential and cheaper. A few energy suppliers are now providing basic energy monitors for free to their customers, so it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible.
Overall, energy monitors allow you to assess in real-time how much energy you are consuming and consequently how much your energy bill will be. They provide an easy point of reference to analyse how your energy saving techniques are paying off, your current greenhouse gas emissions and how much you can save on your bill as a result of careful energy management.
[1] decc.gov.uk (2010) http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/smart_meters/smart_meters.aspx
[2] which.co.uk (2010) http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/smart-meters-and-energy-monitors/index.jsp
[3] which.co.uk (2010) http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/smart-meters-and-energy-monitors/energy-monitors-compared/index.jsp
