SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - County Residents can now check out meters from San Luis Obispo County public libraries free of charge, to help residents easily gain control of their energy usage.
The Kill-A-Watt EZ™ Meter is a small device used to measure electricity usage and cost. Simply plugging it into any standard electrical outlet and plugging an appliance into the meter will reveal the amount of electricity being consumed. Enter the kWh rate, and the meter automatically converts the cost to the hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly cost of the appliance.
"This is a tool that's useful for both homeowners and renters in determining the largest energy users at home and finding the cheapest, fastest ways to cut costs" said Trevor Keith, Energy ProgramCoordinator.
Knowing the exact cost of operating an appliance can help residents determine the cost effectiveness of replacing it with a more energy efficient model. Kill-A-Watt EZ™ Meters can also detect "vampire loads", devices such as DVD players, TV's, computers, and cell phone chargers which use electricity even when turned "off".
"Those costs add up," said Keith. "Most people don't realize that just unplugging devices like these when not in use or putting them on a power strip can save money."
Meters are available at all branches for check-out to anyone with a valid library card. Normal late fees apply.
The program is sponsored by San Luis Obispo County Energy Watch, a partnership between Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas Company, the Economic Vitality Corporation, and local municipalities with the mission to reduce energy usage throughout the county.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, U.S. households currently plug in more appliances and electronics than ever before. Tracking usage and identifying inefficient loads is one step residents can take to save money by reducing energy use. Visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/planning/KM.htm for more information on the Kill-A-Watt Lending Program.
