Is My Power Company Overcharging Me?
A practical, real-world test: installing a Wi-Fi energy monitor inside my shop breaker panel to verify actual power usage and compare it to the utility smart meter.
Why I Installed an Energy Monitor
My electric bill has been creeping up, and I haven’t added new equipment or changed usage habits. Instead of guessing, I decided to measure it myself.
For around $30–$40, I installed a Wi-Fi energy monitor in my shop panel to:
- Track real-time amp draw and kilowatt usage
- Monitor split-phase 220V circuits (Channel A & B)
- Compare my readings directly to the power company meter
- Identify equipment drawing more power than expected
Installation Overview
The monitor connects with just a few wires:
- Black (Hot/Load): Connected to a dedicated circuit breaker
- White (Neutral): Connected to the neutral bus bar
- Two current clamps: Installed on the incoming 220V legs
I powered it from its own breaker so I can shut it off independently if needed. Installation difficulty: roughly 6–7 out of 10 for someone comfortable with residential AC wiring.
⚠️ Always disconnect power before working inside a breaker panel. If unsure, consult a licensed electrician.
Mounting & Signal Considerations
I mounted the module just outside the metal enclosure (indoor panel) to improve Wi-Fi reliability. Metal boxes can reduce wireless signal strength, so placement matters.
App Features & Monitoring
The companion app provides:
- Channel A & B monitoring
- Total combined load tracking
- Real-time amperage display
- Daily and monthly usage graphs
- Calibration adjustments
Within minutes of installation, I was already seeing meaningful data. One surprise: my shop lighting draws more current than I expected.
Why This Matters
Even if the utility meter is accurate (and it likely is), having independent monitoring:
- Provides peace of mind
- Helps identify power-hungry equipment
- Allows direct bill comparison at month’s end
Electricity has gotten expensive. Visibility into your actual consumption gives you control. Guessing does not.
Final Thoughts
Maybe usage increased. Maybe rates went up. Maybe it was just colder this season. But now I can measure instead of speculate.
For a small investment, this monitor provides real insight and could easily pay for itself if it helps reduce unnecessary load.
If you’ve ever looked at your electric bill and wondered, “Is this right?” installing your own monitor might be worth considering.
73s,
The Electron Man