In this Canstar Blue guide, we take a look at the types of energy monitors for your home. We investigate costs, brands and installation tips.
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.
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Compare energy prices
Here are some sponsored 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 energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored 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 and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our 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 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. 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.
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
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How does an energy monitor work?
Energy monitors provide historic and real-time electricity usage information, helping users identify when and how they’re using power. Particular models can 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 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 energy bills. In addition to tracking usage, there are some other popular uses for home energy meters. 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 that installing an electricity usage monitor won’t automatically save you money on energy bills or reduce your electricity usage. The power monitoring device acts as a guide to help you implement changes to your energy habits.
Types of power monitoring devices
There are a few different types of energy monitors designed to suit different budgets and lifestyles. These are:
- Wireless energy monitors: These are tablet-like devices that connect and communicate with sensors installed to the designated energy monitor.
- Online energy monitors: These operate in a similar manner to wireless energy 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 3900kWh/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 4600kWh/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 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.
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 on the market:
- Efergy
- Powerpal
- Powersensor.
Keep in mind that certain home energy monitors may have compatibility requirements. Be sure to get an expert opinion if you’re not sure whether your home meets the requirements for power monitoring devices.
How to install a home energy meter
Energy monitors generally require sensors to be installed to the electricity meter at the property. These installations will need to be conducted by a licensed electrician. Some installations will be a bigger 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 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 can cost anywhere between $50-$300 in Australia, depending on the brand, place of purchase and package used. Installation fees may also come at an additional cost for some households.
Smart plugs can cost anywhere between $20-$50 per plug. However, these devices only measure the usage of one appliance, and costs can vary.
Related content:
Should I buy an electricity usage monitor?
Purchasing an electricity usage monitor is useful for tracking your energy usage and changing 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 make different energy choices.
Electricity usage monitoring is a great way to start the journey to lowering energy bills, but you may also be paying too much for energy. You can compare electricity companies and plans across Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania via the Canstar Blue link below.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: Kampan/Shutterstock
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