Knowledge is power they say, so why not take control of your household electricity usage with a home energy monitor? Energy usage monitors provide useful insights to help bill-payers identify opportunities to reduce their electricity usage. They are also relatively simple to understand and more affordable than you might expect.
In this guide, we explore the home energy monitor options available to you in Australia. We also share tips for installation, costs and brands.
On this page:
How does an energy monitor work?
Energy monitors provide real-time and historic electricity usage information, helping users identify when and how they’re using power. Particular up-market models can even analyse usage patterns to detect which appliances are putting a strain on your energy bill. Most electricity usage monitors that have access to your tariff information can also calculate how much your electricity usage is costing you and can warn you if you’ve exceeded a pre-set usage level. This can be handy for tracking time of use tariffs, particularly when watching for peak and off-peak times.
What are the benefits of using an electricity usage monitor?
One of the main benefits to using an energy monitor is that it can help you to track your electricity usage. With this data, consumers can then determine where they could reduce their usage, which in turn, could help them to save on their power bills. In addition to tracking usage, there are some other popular uses for energy monitors. These include:
- Monitoring solar energy generation (if you have solar panels installed)
- Investigating which devices are using up the most power
- Tracking energy habits within the home
It is important to keep in mind however, that simply installing an energy monitor won’t automatically save you money on energy bills or reduce your electricity usage. The monitoring system simply acts as a guide to help you implement changes to your energy habits.
Types of energy monitors
There are a few different types of energy monitors designed to suit different budgets and lifestyles. These are:
- Wireless electricity monitors: These are tablet-like devices that connect and communicate with sensors installed to the designated electricity meter.
- Online electricity monitors: These operate in a similar manner to wireless monitors. However, instead of having a separate display tablet, the data feeds are accessed via the internet or a smartphone app.
- Smart plugs: An abridged version of an electricity monitor. These plugs can be used to monitor the energy usage of a specific appliance or power port. Remote device control via a smartphone app may also be applicable with some smart plugs and suitable WiFi connections.
Compare cheap electricity plans
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Electricity usage monitor brands in Australia
There are plenty of home energy monitors on offer in Australia. Here are some of the more popular brands in the market:
- Efergy
- Powerpal
- Powersensor
Keep in mind that certain monitors may have compatibility requirements. Be sure to get an expert opinion if you’re not sure whether your home meets the requirements for energy monitoring.
How to install a home energy monitor
Energy monitors generally require sensors to be installed to the electricity meter at the property. These works will need to be installed by a licensed electrician. Some installations will be more of a job than others, depending on the type of energy meter you have and the amount of sensors required for the energy monitor.
If you have a smart meter, the process may be a little simpler, however it’s always best to consult with a licensed professional before commencing any work on your electricity meter box.
Home energy monitor prices
Home energy monitors generally cost between $120 and $300 in Australia, depending on the brand and package used. Installation fees may also come at an additional cost for some households.
Smart plugs generally come at a lower cost of between $20 to $50 per plug. However, these devices only measure the usage of one appliance.
Related content:
Should I buy an energy monitor?
Purchasing an energy monitor could be helpful if you intend to track your usage and change any expensive energy habits you may have. The most value will come to those who use the tool for what it is worth, so those who aren’t invested in monitoring their usage and making the necessary changes may not see the same value as those willing to do the work.
Of course, knowing is only half the battle. Even with electricity usage monitoring, you may be paying too much for power if you haven’t shopped around recently for the best price. You can compare electricity companies and plans across Victoria, New South Wales, south-east Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania via the link below.
Original Authour: Jared Mullane
Share this article