Smart meter image from Oncor.com.
Ever wonder how much energy you waste when your kid stands in front of the refrigerator for 10 minutes deciding what to have for a snack?
Or what that four-course meal costs you in terms of the oven, stove, toaster and microwave all working at the same time?
Or do all the energy-efficiency tips we feed you actually make a difference? They do, we promise, they do.
If you have a smart meter (aka advanced meter), you now have access to the data to answer those questions. The Texas Public Utilities Commission launched a new Web site, www.SmartMeterTexas.com, that provides your usage in 15-minute increments.
The Smart Meter Texas Web site allows residential and business customers to log in and see your energy usage. Oncor also has its own site with access to this information along with colorful charts and graphs.
One million Texas residents have smart meters with millions more planned in the next few years. Installation of smart meters is determined by your TDSP, or meter reading company. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have anything to do with who your retail electric provider is.
But, once you have a smart meter, First Choice Power can help you understand your usage and how to control it. Our Control First prepaid product gives you a daily text message or e-mail update with your energy usage. Because it’s a prepaid product it directly impacts your energy budget to know what you’re using and when.
If you have a smart meter — check by looking at your meter, is it digital? – grab your most recent electric bill and register on SmartMeterTexas.com. All you need is your ESI ID and meter number, found on your electric bill. And click on “create an account.”
We think the extra energy usage for the plasma TV is worth it for football, not so much for reality TV, but now you can be the judge.
Once you check it out, let us know what you learned about your usage. Will knowing how much you use change your energy behavior?
i am having trouble with signing in. is the system down right now? i am trying to renew my contract
Hi Georgetta, Sorry to hear that. Are you still experiencing issues? If so, please let us know. Thanks!
It would be nice if you actually put the right web address in your material. Above you have smartmeterstexas that is a bogus site. The site is smartmetertexas Leave out the “S” after meter. You guys are in this business and created this site, one would think you have checked your links before publishing??
We’re sorry for the inconvenience. The links have been fixed. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!