Let the OWL watch for you: Keep an eye on your electricity bills with a wireless energy monitor
Keisha Hill,Coordinator
HOW MANY of you really know how much electricity you are consuming, or even how much each appliance is using? The OWL electricity monitor, recently introduced on the market by Jetcon Corporation, aims to help you manage your energy consumption.
OWL is a wireless electricity monitor that provides up-to-the-second information on the amount of electricity you consume in terms of both power and cost. Whether it's turning off a light or just using a standby generator, OWL shows you
the cash impact of changing your habits and behaviour, which could amount to savings of hundreds of dollars per year.
OWL is simple to install and is clipped to the household's electricity cable, transmitting data to a portable wireless monitor that can be taken anywhere around the home. By actually viewing the cost of energy, you will be prompted to save money.
The monitor is safe and easy to use. In most cases there is no need to use an electrician to fit it. However, if you are not trained or comfortable in working near energised circuits, it is recommended that you use a qualified electrician.
FACTS ABOUT THE OWL
1. Owl is powered by batteries. A small power supply is available separately for the display unit if required.
2. There is strong evidence that electricity-monitoring devices really can make a difference in reducing electrical usage. A recent survey in domestic applications showed an average saving of 13.8 per cent over a six-month period. (Source: Places for People)
3. It is compatible with the Jamaican electricity supply.
4. The OWL's calculation of your electricity will not result in the exact amount on your electricity bill.
HOW IT IS USED
- The OWL is not intended for commercial metering accuracy as electricity is calculated using the first calendar day to the last calendar day of the month to calculate cost. This may not exactly coincide with your utility billing period.
- The monitor stores data as long as the power is on and displays two periods of data.
COST
The OWL wireless energy monitor costs $9,000, including tax. The product comes with a one-year warranty and you can exchange it if it becomes defective.
GOOD TO REMEMBER
Appliances consume less electricity when they are turned off. They must be plugged out in order to conserve energy.
Using the OWL wireless energy monitor these were the findings on energy usage for the following electrical products and appliances.
- Regular 100W bulb $2.33 per kWh
- Fluorescent bulb (FB) $0.63c per kWh. Although fluorescent bulbs are more expensive, they turn out to be cheaper in the long run.
- Iron $37 per hour of kWh energy used. It is therefore recommended to iron in bulk to conserve on energy costs.
- Regular standing fan $0.025c per kWh. The greater the intensity of the fan will contribute to the kWh.
- Cable box $0.85c per kWh. The cable box uses energy whether or not it is turned on or off. To conserve energy, you must plug it out when not in use.
- 21-inch television $1.91 per hour. This rate is not for LCD televisions. The rates for those would be much higher.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The OWL can be used on commercial phase three supplies. However, you will be required to procure an additional sensor for the extra phase.
- The OWL will not cause any increase in your electricity bill. It is intended to be entirely powered by batteries, which are supplied in each package.
Winsome Callum (left), head of corporate affairs at the Jamaica Public Service Company, and Garth McKenzie (second left), director, commercial operations, Jamaica Public Service, observe the intricacies of the OWL wireless energy monitor at the offical launch of the product. Andrew Jackson (right), managing director of Jetcon Corporation, distributors of the product, and Yasmin Chong, chair of the Consumer Advisory Committe on Utilities, look on. - Photo by Keisha Hill
For further information, contact Jetcon Corporation Limited at 920-2277 or email: info@jetcon.com.jm.