Sense Energy Monitor

 I have been wanting a Sense energy monitor for a couple of years.  Facebook keeps shoving it in my face.  Plus I think it is an awesome idea.  So I finally broke down and bought myself an early Christmas present when they were having a good sale on them.

Here is the panel before.

The hardest part of installing it was getting the metal cover off for the wifi antenna to go through.

The second hardest part was getting it all to fit in there and get the cover back on :)

Overall though a very easy installation.

Here are the clamps on the 2 lines coming into the house.

Great Deal from Dakota Electric

 I noticed that Dakota Electric would provide rebates for purchasing CFL or LED lighting.  When Menards had a sale, I bought a bunch to change out the lights in a few areas were we still have incandescent bulbs.

I bought 25 bulbs for $105 (I think, I don't have the receipt anymore) and Dakota Electric credited me $110 (maybe it was $110).  The rebate form said they would refund up to %50 of the bulb cost, but they refunded the entire amount!

So know I have two months without an electric bill!

As you can see out electric usage is down for this month, not sure it can completely be attributed to the lights, but they certainly don't hurt.

I would be interested in hearing how much electric other people are using as well, it would be nice if on the bill they would tell you what percentile you are in as far as usage.