Why couldn't power companies put an electricity meter right in your kitchen so you could see in real time what your usage was? It would also be a simple matter to then translate this usage into a "projected monthly power bill." I know if I saw that number every time I went through the kitchen, I'd be highly motivated to keep it low. In fact, it would appeal to my competitive insticts to get the number as low as possible.
I got this idea from my car which gives me a constant readout of my miles per gallon. It has become a game for me to get this number as high as possible. In fact, this has resulted in a complete changing of my driving habits. I used to be quite aggressive, but now I'm the opposite, because of THE NUMBER. My competitive instincts have been channeled in an entirely different direction (another idea: maybe car companies could be required to show "the number" at all times...I know there are others like me).
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It could be done, and a few odd power companies are offering that feature. You can get the gear and do it yourself.
The gear is a bit expensive though, at this point in time.
I agree - I should have looked before I added my idea - the same as yours.
Small things are easier to change and often make a bigger difference.
How many barrels of oil etc. would be saved if everyone cut back by 1% because they could monitor use and costs in real time
Is there a No Brainier catergory?