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My electric utility is using AI analysis of my usage patterns to determine how my home uses electricity. For example, identifying various appliances by their energy signature. For several months it has been providing me with a summary.
Is this useful? Well, knowing this implies I can make changes if I choose to exercise some control. For example, altering my cooling thermostat setting. Of course, ambient, outdoor temperatures and amount of sunlight are a factor. Or, I could add some timers to reduce “always on” power consumption.
How is this determined? For example, a washing machine goes through various phases; adding water, soaking, washing and spinning to dry the clothes. A refrigerator has a continuous, 24 hour cycle. Etc. Certain appliances have a larger energy spike. Air conditioning can be identified by its larger draw, particularly when the compressor is energized.
My power company tells me there is some comparative analysis, too which is “learned” over time.
So here is the way my electric company sees my usage for the most recent 29 day billing period:
Cooling $21
Always on: $15
Laundry: $7
Refrigeration: $5
Cooking $3
Entertainment: $1
Lighting $1
Other Appliances $1
29 day Total $83.66
That’s interesting. A few years ago we looked into solar panels on or roof. The companies were shocked at how low our usage was as when we built the house nine years ago we installed all LED lights and purchased new appliances.
We did not end up making the plunge as we could not get a return on investment within 10 years which was my goal.
Some states mandate such reporting to customers. I get a form comparing my use to our neighbors.
I got a mailing comparing my total usage to my neighbors, but not this kind of breakdown. (I was always well under average.)
Creepy.
What is in the Always On figure : passive draw on standby for lots of appliances and what else – or is it your cannabis farm and year round illuminated inflatables?
Do you turn AirCon off when away from home?
I don’t do bitcoin mining, run an AI server farm, nor run a cannabis farm. LOL. At $83 total per month that would be exciting.
There is always parasitic drain. This includes the timer for an automated drip watering system, an electric coffee pot with clock, microwave and convection oven, and electronics for the gas stove is always plugged in. Ditto for a 32″ TV, a couple of laptops, a printer and the on-demand water heater (natural gas is the primary energy source). There is usually one of the phones or tablet charging. Many of these are auto-off, but there is always some power flowing through the electronics.
We have a few LED illuminated fixtures and “night lights” that are always on, too. Prevents stumbling around at 3am.
I dropped a few watts by switching my RV coach completely to solar, but there are two trickle battery chargers and an electric golf cart.
Yes, when away we do alter the AC temperature setpoints to save electricity.
Our average daily KWh usage peaks at about 25 during the warmest months. My bill spiked in June, when the average high temperature was 101F. For the current period the average high was 86F.