TORONTO – Users of Blue Line Innovations’ PowerCost Monitor have a new tool to help track their energy use.
EnergyCloud, a mobile app that complements the physical PowerCost Monitor device, gives users the ability to view real-time energy usage of their home even when on the road.
READ MORE: How to give your home an energy audit
Along with real-time data the app tracks “always on” and “phantom load” power so users can adjust devices, such as computers and televisions, to help reduce hydro bills.
Users can also use the app to share data in order to compare the amount of electricity being used in a specific neighbourhood.
Other features include usage reports for the current and previous month and important alerts, such as the status of the batteries in the PowerCost unit and arm that connects to your hydrometer.
In order to use the EnergyCloud app the Blue Line Wi-Fi Bridge is required to be connected to your home network.
READ MORE: Save money on your energy bills with these 6 tips
While alternative energy monitoring devices, such as the Neurio and smappee, offer similar apps, Blue Line has partnered with select utility providers across Canada and the U.S. to offer the PowerCost Monitor for free. According to the company, over 170,000 homes in Ontario alone have the unit via the Peaksaver PLUS program.
The EnergyCloud app is currently only available for iOS devices (iPhone 4S and later). An Android version will be released later this year.
SOUND OFF: Do you use an energy monitoring device at home? Do you find it helps reduce your monthly bills? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Comments