HomeMy WebLinkAboutChugach Electric Watt Buster ApdxC 2010
Watt Buster Final Report
C-1
Appendix C: Residential Component Surveys
C.1 Effectiveness of BEMs: Baseline Survey
Topic Page
Baseline Survey C-2
Baseline Survey Numeric Results C-6
Baseline Survey Open-ended Results C-16
C.2 Effectiveness of BEMs: Mid-study Survey
Topic Page
Mid-study Survey C-20
Mid-study Survey Numeric Results C-22
Mid-study Survey Open-ended Results C-26
C.3 Effectiveness of BEMs: Final Survey
Topic Page
Final Survey C-29
Final Survey Numeric Results C-32
Final Survey Open-ended Results C-39
C.4 Comparison/Assessment of BEMs Survey
Topic Page
Survey C-49
Survey Results C-50
C.5 Appliance Power Meters Survey
Topic Page
Survey C-60
Survey Results C-61
Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1
1.
1. How long have you lived in your current home?
2. How many people live in your household?
3. What are their ages? (check all that apply)
4. What is your primary source of heat?
5. What are your secondary sources of heat, if any?
0 to 5 years nmlkj
6 to 10 years nmlkj
11 to 15 years nmlkj
16 or more years nmlkj
1 to 2 nmlkj
3 to 5 nmlkj
More than 5 nmlkj
Birth to 5 gfedc
6 to 10 gfedc
11 to 17 gfedc
18 to 24 gfedc
25 or older gfedc
Natural gas nmlkj
Electricity nmlkj
Other (please specify)
nmlkj
Space heaters nmlkj
Wood
nmlkj
Other (please specify)
nmlkj
C-2
Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1
6. What expectations do you have for Watt Buster?
Please rate each of the expectations below on a scale from 1 to 5, where
"1" means no expectations and "5" means high expectations.
1 2 3 4 5
Provide a concrete way to reduce electricity use and save money nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Offer new insights into my household electricity usage patterns nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Receive information that will help guide my decisions to increase efficiency nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Compare my household electricity use to similar households in the community nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Lead to a broader program to help all Chugach members become more efficient nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Learn from others in the community regarding ideas for energy efficiency nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
7. What factors motivated you to participate in Watt Buster?
Please rate each of the factors below on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1"
means no influence and "5" means strong influence. If none of the factors
apply, please list and rate the one(s) that influenced your decision.
1 2 3 4 5
Participate in a relevant community activity nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Set a positive example for my children nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Seemed like the right thing to do nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Save money nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Gain a better understanding of my household's electricity use nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Take steps to help protect the environment nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
8. Please provide your best estimate of the age of some of the common
applicances in your home.
Leave blank if your household does not have the appliance listed.
Less than 1
year 1-5 years 6-10 years 11+ years
Refrigerator (located in kitchen)nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
A second refrigerator (located elsewhere in the house)nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Stand-alone freezer nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Stove nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Clothes washer nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Clothes dryer nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Dishwasher nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Other (please specify)
C-3
Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1
9. Over the past five (5) years, has your household undertaken any of the
following activities to reduce electricity or natural gas use?
Yes No Maybe
Installed insulation nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Replaced windows with new ones that have a higher insulation value nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Replaced light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Installed one or more programmable timers to control lighting use nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Installed programmable thermostat(s) to control heat nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Installed weatherization materials on doors and windows nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Unplug or fully turn off devices to avoid power waste in standby mode nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
10. Please tell us how consistently your household currently takes the
following actions to use electricity more efficiently.
Rate each action on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1" means never and "5"
means always.
Leave blank if the action listed does not apply to your household.
1 2 3 4 5
Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Make sure that electronic devices such as computers printers, chargers, TVs, cable
boxes or game systems are completely turned off or physically unplugged when
not in use (no red or greet lights on, and not in standby mode)
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
In winter, turn down the thermostat before leaving the house nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Make sure the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer are fully loaded before use nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Turn down temperature of hot water heater nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
11. What information would be helpful to you to make your household more
efficient in the use of electricity?
Rate each on a scale of 1 to 5, where "1" is not helpful and "5" is very
helpful.
1 2 3 4 5
What product models are the most energy efficient?nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
What appliances, devices and equipment in my home are least efficient?nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
What habits could be modified to maximize efficiency without impacting our
lifestyle?
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
How does my electricity use compare to others in similar homes?nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
C-4
Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1Watt Buster Residential Survey #1
12. What do you think are the most significant barriers to becoming more
efficient in your household electricity use?
Rate each one on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1" is not significant and "5" is
very significant. Check N/A if the listed barrier is not applicable to your
household.
1 2 3 4 5 N/A
High cost of replacing appliances such as refrigerators and stoves with more
efficient models
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
"Kids being kids" leaving lights on and carelessly adjusting thermostats nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Too busy, other more important priorities to stay on top of everything, forget to
turn things off or down
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Preference towards convenience - like sitting down and turning on devices with
remote
nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Aren't well informed about the steps that can be taken nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Work hard all day - want comfort at home nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Electricity is not all that expensive - not worth the effort nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
13. As a participant in Watt Buster, you have installed a monitoring system
that provides your household with near real-time electricity use, compares it
to similar households and provides information about how to save electricity
and money. As a Watt Buster volunteer, you received this equipment free of
charge.
How much do you think other households would be willing to pay on their
monthly electric bill to receive these and other benefits?
14. How easy or difficult was it to install the Tendril devices?
1 2 3 4 5
Rate the level of difficulty on a scale of 1 to 5, where "1" is easy and "5" is difficult.nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
15. Do you have other comments or suggestions?
Up to $1 per month nmlkj
Between $1 and $10 per month nmlkj
Between $10 and $20 per month nmlkj
Between $20 and $50 per month nmlkj
Nothing nmlkj
C-5
1 of 10
Watt Buster Residential Survey #1
1. How long have you lived in your current home?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
0 to 5 years 31.1%28
6 to 10 years 23.3%21
11 to 15 years 20.0%18
16 or more years 25.6%23
answered question 90
skipped question 0
2. How many people live in your household?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
1 to 2 46.7%42
3 to 5 45.6%41
More than 5 7.8%7
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-6
2 of 10
3. What are their ages? (check all that apply)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Birth to 5 13.3%12
6 to 10 21.1%19
11 to 17 30.0%27
18 to 24 12.2%11
25 or older 98.9%89
answered question 90
skipped question 0
4. What is your primary source of heat?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Natural gas 95.6%86
Electricity 2.2%2
Other (please specify)2.2%2
answered question 90
skipped question 0
5. What are your secondary sources of heat, if any?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Space heaters 33.3%14
Wood 45.2%19
Other (please specify)21.4%9
answered question 42
skipped question 48
C-7
3 of 10
6. What expectations do you have for Watt Buster? Please rate each of the expectations below on a scale from 1 to
5, where "1" means no expectations and "5" means high expectations.
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
Provide a concrete way to reduce
electricity use and save money
1.1% (1)5.6% (5)23.3% (21)27.8% (25)42.2% (38)90
Offer new insights into my
household electricity usage
patterns
0.0% (0)1.1% (1)5.6% (5)22.2% (20)71.1% (64)90
Receive information that will help
guide my decisions to increase
efficiency
0.0% (0)5.6% (5)11.1% (10)36.7% (33)46.7% (42)90
Compare my household electricity
use to similar households in the
community
5.6% (5)11.1% (10)26.7% (24)27.8% (25)28.9% (26)90
Lead to a broader program to help
all Chugach members become
more efficient
0.0% (0)7.8% (7)23.3% (21)31.1% (28)37.8% (34)90
Learn from others in the
community regarding ideas for
energy efficiency
4.4% (4)10.0% (9)26.7% (24)32.2% (29)26.7% (24)90
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-8
4 of 10
7. What factors motivated you to participate in Watt Buster? Please rate each of the factors below on a scale from 1
to 5, where "1" means no influence and "5" means strong influence. If none of the factors apply, please list and
rate the one(s) that influenced your decision.
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
Participate in a relevant community
activity
13.3% (12)7.8% (7)23.3% (21)24.4% (22)31.1% (28)90
Set a positive example for my
children 33.3% (30)10.0% (9)20.0% (18)12.2% (11)24.4% (22)90
Seemed like the right thing to do 12.2% (11)5.6% (5)20.0% (18)33.3% (30)28.9% (26)90
Save money 1.1% (1)3.3% (3)15.6% (14)30.0% (27)50.0% (45)90
Gain a better understanding of my
household's electricity use
0.0% (0)1.1% (1)4.4% (4)21.1% (19)73.3% (66)90
Take steps to help protect the
environment
7.8% (7)6.7% (6)18.9% (17)30.0% (27)36.7% (33)90
Other (please specify)3
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-9
5 of 10
8. Please provide your best estimate of the age of some of the common applicances in your home. Leave blank if
your household does not have the appliance listed.
Less than 1
year
1-5 years 6-10 years 11+ years
Response
Count
Refrigerator (located in kitchen)4.4% (4)38.9% (35)32.2% (29)24.4% (22)90
A second refrigerator (located
elsewhere in the house)
4.2% (1)25.0% (6)25.0% (6)45.8% (11)24
Stand-alone freezer 3.2% (2)22.2% (14)31.7% (20)42.9% (27)63
Stove 3.4% (3)34.1% (30)43.2% (38)19.3% (17)88
Clothes washer 4.5% (4)41.6% (37)37.1% (33)16.9% (15)89
Clothes dryer 3.3% (3)42.2% (38)36.7% (33)17.8% (16)90
Dishwasher 9.0% (8)34.8% (31)38.2% (34)18.0% (16)89
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-10
6 of 10
9. Over the past five (5) years, has your household undertaken any of the following activities to reduce electricity
or natural gas use?
Yes No Maybe
Response
Count
Installed insulation 40.0% (36)60.0% (54)0.0% (0)90
Replaced windows with new ones
that have a higher insulation value
31.1% (28)65.6% (59)3.3% (3)90
Replaced light bulbs with compact
fluorescent bulbs 85.6% (77)8.9% (8)5.6% (5)90
Installed one or more programmable
timers to control lighting use
25.6% (23)72.2% (65)2.2% (2)90
Installed programmable thermostat
(s) to control heat 52.2% (47)47.8% (43)0.0% (0)90
Installed weatherization materials on
doors and windows 50.0% (45)48.9% (44)1.1% (1)90
Unplug or fully turn off devices to
avoid power waste in standby mode 54.4% (49)35.6% (32)10.0% (9)90
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-11
7 of 10
10. Please tell us how consistently your household currently takes the following actions to use electricity more
efficiently. Rate each action on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1" means never and "5" means always. Leave blank if
the action listed does not apply to your household.
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms 0.0% (0)1.1% (1)13.3% (12)45.6% (41)40.0% (36)90
Make sure that electronic devices
such as computers printers,
chargers, TVs, cable boxes or
game systems are completely
turned off or physically unplugged
when not in use (no red or greet
lights on, and not in standby mode)
24.4% (22)28.9% (26)23.3% (21)15.6% (14)7.8% (7)90
In winter, turn down the thermostat
before leaving the house
13.5% (12)11.2% (10)13.5% (12)23.6% (21)38.2% (34)89
Make sure the dishwasher, washing
machine and dryer are fully loaded
before use
0.0% (0)2.2% (2)23.6% (21)34.8% (31)39.3% (35)89
Turn down temperature of hot water
heater
24.1% (21)8.0% (7)29.9% (26)21.8% (19)16.1% (14)87
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-12
8 of 10
11. What information would be helpful to you to make your household more efficient in the use of electricity? Rate
each on a scale of 1 to 5, where "1" is not helpful and "5" is very helpful.
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
What product models are the most
energy efficient?
2.2% (2)3.3% (3)16.7% (15)24.4% (22)53.3% (48)90
What appliances, devices and
equipment in my home are least
efficient?
3.3% (3)1.1% (1)5.6% (5)26.7% (24)63.3% (57)90
What habits could be modified to
maximize efficiency without
impacting our lifestyle?
3.3% (3)2.2% (2)8.9% (8)28.9% (26)56.7% (51)90
How does my electricity use
compare to others in similar
homes?
8.9% (8)4.4% (4)17.8% (16)34.4% (31)34.4% (31)90
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-13
9 of 10
12. What do you think are the most significant barriers to becoming more efficient in your household electricity
use? Rate each one on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1" is not significant and "5" is very significant. Check N/A if the
listed barrier is not applicable to your household.
1 2 3 4 5 N/A
Response
Count
High cost of replacing appliances
such as refrigerators and stoves
with more efficient models
4.4% (4)8.9% (8)
11.1%
(10)
18.9%
(17)
51.1%
(46)
5.6% (5)90
"Kids being kids" leaving lights on
and carelessly adjusting
thermostats
17.8%
(16)
10.0%
(9)
12.2%
(11)
14.4%
(13)
13.3%
(12)
32.2%
(29)
90
Too busy, other more important
priorities to stay on top of
everything, forget to turn things off
or down
15.6%
(14)
21.1%
(19)
27.8%
(25)
17.8%
(16)
12.2%
(11)
5.6% (5)90
Preference towards convenience -
like sitting down and turning on
devices with remote
13.3%
(12)
12.2%
(11)
17.8%
(16)
35.6%
(32)
15.6%
(14)
5.6% (5)90
Aren't well informed about the steps
that can be taken
14.4%
(13)
20.0%
(18)
28.9%
(26)
15.6%
(14)
12.2%
(11)
8.9% (8)90
Work hard all day - want comfort at
home
15.6%
(14)
20.0%
(18)
16.7%
(15)
20.0%
(18)
22.2%
(20)
5.6% (5)90
Electricity is not all that expensive
- not worth the effort
35.6%
(32)
24.4%
(22)
16.7%
(15)
6.7% (6)7.8% (7)8.9% (8)90
answered question 90
skipped question 0
C-14
10 of 10
13. As a participant in Watt Buster, you have installed a monitoring system that provides your household with
near real-time electricity use, compares it to similar households and provides information about how to save
electricity and money. As a Watt Buster volunteer, you received this equipment free of charge. How much do you
think other households would be willing to pay on their monthly electric bill to receive these and other benefits?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Up to $1 per month 22.2%20
Between $1 and $10 per month 50.0%45
Between $10 and $20 per month 6.7%6
Between $20 and $50 per month 1.1%1
Nothing 20.0%18
answered question 90
skipped question 0
14. How easy or difficult was it to install the Tendril devices?
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
Rate the level of difficulty on a
scale of 1 to 5, where "1" is easy
and "5" is difficult.
46.7% (42)21.1% (19)22.2% (20)6.7% (6)3.3% (3)90
answered question 90
skipped question 0
15. Do you have other comments or suggestions?
Response
Count
44
answered question 44
skipped question 46
C-15
Open‐Ended Comments
Page 1 of 4
I noticed that you have three devices to plug in to monitor the energy usage, and that
alone is going to increase your usage. I think Watt busters should be used to educate and
help customers make their homes a little more energy efficient.
Great program so far, the device works great and is great information for us to have.
Thanks!
being more conscientious about electricity has made me more aware of conserving other
forms of energy as well
Installation was fairly easy, except I had no empty ports and the addition of a switch
originally caused a block. The minute-by-minute readout is outstanding, as is the graph
on the computer of the 15-minute interval energy use. Very interesting patterns. The
next step in consumer education about electrical energy use would be to have a sub-
measure of major appliances, or categories of energy use (like lighting) to see how much
they add to the total energy use on a daily basis. It would be nice to know how many
homes are the "comparables" and whether they have the same number of occupants,
similar size, similar age home, etc. If it is an average of homes, would be interesting to
see the usage displayed in an icon that shows the highest user, the lowest and the median
(like stock graphs). The Tendril system is very nice. On the Tendril Vantage web
portal, it is not immediately clear that if you click on a day's use it will show the hourly
breakdown. If they add this note on the page, more people would be likely to use it.
Nicely done program, Chucach. Professionally implemented! Thank you.
Include instructions on how to use the equipment. I don't know what the monitor is even
telling me. What does it all meen?
I don't like how the display is wired. I have seen others that are wired base stations but
you can pick up the display and walk around with it wirelessly as you turn on and off
devices. Instructions to install were NOT included in my package of devices but it was
so easy I just made a few assumptions and plugged it all in flawlessly. I think the
program should have included one wall wort style addressable plug to move around the
house and monitor/control that single appliance. Does/can tendril data be published on
iGoogle via PowerMeter widget? I think it would be convenient to have the display
show a graph of real time usage so that you can track the on/off cycle of inefficient
appliances. can I add my own zigbee devices into the tendril platform during the trial?
I don't have any yet... just curious. I have recently discovered the DASH7 device
communication standard. Apparently it has some significant gains in distance and device
to device communication. Are you aware of this? I would really like to see this
program be permanent addition to your service. It immediately makes me think that you
should provide rated usage windows to run appliances like dishwashers/etc in off peak
hours and get a benefit for it. I would like to have visibility to my local grid load (graph
over time) to help me make decisions on when to actively use electricity. I have also
recently learned that without even changing out devices, customers can save energy by
balancing the A/B phase load on their circuit breakers. What a concept. Makes sense to
me. This means I would need to model the load on each circuit before making an energy
C-16
Open‐Ended Comments
Page 2 of 4
saving decision. Do you know if Enstar has any type of gas flow meters to track gas
usage in the same manner is what we are doing with electricity? I would love to test that
and understand how my boiler is operating throughout the day in varying climate
conditions. thanks again.
Overall I enjoy the system, it is easy to use and usually informative. Set-up was fast and
easy. Would be willing to pay up to $3-4 a month to use. I wish it came with the Tendril
Volt though as some things like turning off the computer can be hard to measure with
things like furnace, water heater, and garage heater turning on a off at will making the
Tendril Insight less informative and hard to follow sometimes. The website is great as
well, although the graph on the opening screen with the 15 min energy use measurements
could use about twice as many hour data points on it or a way to go back as I don't
always check it often enough and sometimes miss large sections of the day. Thanks for
putting on this trial program.
Thank you so much for choosing me to participate. I did not realize that the baseboard
heater in my crawlspace was such a power pig! I need to figure out a different way to
keep my pipes from freezing. I've been telling everybody at work and on facebook about
these wattbuster gizmos.
I love the program and the equipment works great!
It would be very helpful to be able to determine the electricity used by individual
appliances and devices.
Folks at Tendril were extremely helpful when I had problems. They also helped explain
how to use the Display although I'm still not certain how useful it is. Time will tell. I'm
trying to do things like 1) turn on the oven and see how much it costs me to heat it to 350
degrees, 2) run a load of clothes, 3) run a load through the dryer. So far I haven't been
able to pin down just what that costs in kWh or $'s. Thanks for the opportunity to
participate.
When I received my Tendril devices, I was asked about and agreed to install a
programmable thermostat device, when it became available (today, March 6th, I received
a call from a manager of your program that the device was available and he would
research what type I needed, i.e., 2 or 4 wire, for my home heating setup.) I am expecting
to hear back from Chugach to get that programmable thermostat installed, if appropriate
for my particular situation. Thanks for your interest in supporting this important home
energy use research.
I spoke with my brother in Europe and apperntly these devices are very common and
most of the newer homes have them in stalled.I don't know if they are avilable on the
open market here but it sure would help people become more energy conscious
Make Volt units available so I can monitor individual devices for power consumption
trends.
C-17
Open‐Ended Comments
Page 3 of 4
I've already been able to identify some of the highest contributors to energy use. It would
be good to have a resource that identifies what is "reasonable" usage for a given type of
item (e.g., furnance, electric dryer) to know how much we can realistically improve.
thank u CHugach helpers answering my initial ? about how to gewt online with
wattbuster
Tendril website logs you off too quickly. Would like website graphs viewable on in-
house display so I don't have to go to the internet.
like the program so far, would much rather have the Watt Buster control device just run
off a couple of batteries instead of being plugged in.
it was very esyto install and review thanks
I can not judge the worth of this system yet. It will depend on how much I cut my electric
bill over the trial period.
I think i could have gotten more out of the program if it had started in the fall when my
usage increases. Right now with increasing daylight and warming tremperatures it is
hard to guage if the change in costs is due behavior modification because or the change in
season.
It was difficult installing the equipment, rather, it was just difficult as my device was
picking up on the wrong channel. My husband had to call tech support and the rep stated
that our call was the first case of that kind.
The Watt Buster daily energy use chart would be more useful if it showed more than 24
hours, so I could compare, for example, spikes if I turn off the hot tub for a few hours a
day, or looking at the effect of turning off some of the phantom load sources like
chargers. I replaced sliding glass doors, no windows. Have had programmable
thermostats since the house was built in 1981--though sometimes turn off set back in
extremely cold weather. Now have boiler control which provides set back for all heating
zones at same time, but cannot vary from one zone to the other. Gave up on
programmable lighting controls because they were too sensitive to power surges, and
kept burning out at $30 apiece. Other Watt Buster info not considered: hot tub and
associated pump, thaw wires for ice dams on roof. I'd love to be able to get rid of those!
It doesn't appear we have a differentiated rate structure, with lower costs at low use times
for electricity or other energy use. That would really make a difference...
I don't see how we compare to other households with this device??
It will take a while for me to fully realize the benefits of this program.
C-18
Open‐Ended Comments
Page 4 of 4
Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
The tendril devices did not work the first time and then we had to go through a few phone
calls to get the new set up and working
I cannot really answer #13 yet because I have not seen any results since I just installed it.
Not yet sure what it can do. Also, we installed a new gas furnace this year (#8)
It is doubtful that people would want to pay a monthly premium for equipment that is
supposed to save money, because what would have been saved would go to the cost of
the equipment. It there is any equipment that could provide the wattage usage for
specific appliances, that could also be useful to know.
tendril devices are still not working in my house? i would love for it to work.. i would
love to see how my electricity is being used
The sign up process was easy and the tech support was responsive and helpful.
The last question in 12 is somewhat a double negative and therefore difficult to answer
one way or the other.
It is interesting. We look at the device several times a day - still trying to figure out what
it means. we need to make a point to check stats. maybe have an iphone app to do that.
The monitor with the screen still shows that the devise is not linked up yet.
It would be nice to know how much energy the Tendril Devices use. Seems ironic to use
electricity to track use in a study to reduce consumption. It would be nice if this was
funded by grant and the user relized a discount for using the equipment. Power company
is kept whole, user is kept whole, and important social study can take place without
artificial cost pressures.
I had to keeping moving the translate because it doesn't get a signal, and the insight says
my monthly cost is $0.
Too many devices to install, and the time for them to all sync up made the setup process
more convoluted than it needed to be. The Vantage web interface is nice, but needs a way
to export data out of it, and needs more than a 36 hour tracking chart. It makes it hard to
see usage over time and look for trends that span a week or more in time.
I think this program is great and fun to use. Very good support from Chugach. Thank
you for doing this.
I would like to see how it works, and what information I can get from it. Suggest
rewarding family for conserving electricity, and this makes it easier to measure.
C-19
Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2
Since the first survey, have there been changes in the number of people
living in your household? Select the number by which it has increased,
decreased or select "no change."
Since the first survey, have you purchased any new appliances? (check all
that apply)
Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household been empty for more
than 5 days at a time, such as for a family vacation?
Please rate your experience with Watt Buster (on a scale from 1 to 5,
where "1" is "not at all" and "5" is "very").
*
6
Energy-Efficient model Older model
Refrigerator gfedc gfedc
Freezer gfedc gfedc
Dishwasher gfedc gfedc
Washer gfedc gfedc
Dryer gfedc gfedc
Entertainment electronics gfedc gfedc
Computers gfedc gfedc
If yes, how many days?
*
12345
Are you finding Watt Buster useful?nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
Is Watt Buster living up to your expectations?nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj nmlkj
C-20
Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2Watt Buster Residential Survey #2
Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household done any of the
following to increase energy efficiency? (check all that apply)
Since you installed Watt Buster, how are you evaluating your energy use?
(check all those that apply)
How often do you check your Insight home display?
Comments or Suggestions?
*
*
*
55
66
Installed insulationgfedc
Replaced windows with new ones that have a higher insulation valuegfedc
Replaced light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbsgfedc
Installed one or more programmable timers to control lighting usegfedc
Installed programmable thermostat(s) to control heatgfedc
Installed weatherization materials on doors and windowsgfedc
Unplug or fully turn off devices to avoid power waste in standby modegfedc
Other measuresgfedc
No changes madegfedc
If using other measures, please explain.
I just want to see my hourly consumption.gfedc
I selectively turn different appliances on and off to measure their impact.gfedc
I am actively trying to lower my energy consumption.gfedc
Othergfedc
If other, please explain.
Every daynmlkj
3-6 times per weeknmlkj
1-2 times per weeknmlkj
Less than once a weeknmlkj
C-21
1 of 4
Watt Buster Residential Survey #2
1. Since the first survey, have there been changes in the number of people living in your household? Select the
number by which it has increased, decreased or select "no change."
Response
Percent
Response
Count
No change 93.3%70
+1 2.7%2
+2 2.7%2
+3 0.0%0
+4 0.0%0
+5 0.0%0
+6 0.0%0
+7 0.0%0
+8 0.0%0
+9 0.0%0
+10 0.0%0
-1 1.3%1
-2 0.0%0
-3 0.0%0
-4 0.0%0
-5 0.0%0
-6 0.0%0
-7 0.0%0
-8 0.0%0
-9 0.0%0
-10 0.0%0
answered question 75
skipped question 0
C-22
2 of 4
2. Since the first survey, have you purchased any new appliances? (check all that apply)
Energy-Efficient model Older model
Response
Count
Refrigerator 25.0% (1)75.0% (3)4
Freezer 0.0% (0)100.0% (4)4
Dishwasher 40.0% (2)60.0% (3)5
Washer 20.0% (1)80.0% (4)5
Dryer 20.0% (1)80.0% (4)5
Entertainment electronics 57.1% (4)42.9% (3)7
Computers 40.0% (2)60.0% (3)5
answered question 9
skipped question 66
3. Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household been empty for more than 5 days at a time, such as for a
family vacation?
Response
Average
Response
Total
Response
Count
If yes, how many days? 6.50 104 16
answered question 16
skipped question 59
4. Please rate your experience with Watt Buster (on a scale from 1 to 5, where "1" is "not at all" and "5" is "very").
1 2 3 4 5
Response
Count
Are you finding Watt Buster
useful?
6.7% (5)14.7% (11)30.7% (23)24.0% (18)24.0% (18)75
Is Watt Buster living up to your
expectations?
6.7% (5)17.3% (13)25.3% (19)37.3% (28)13.3% (10)75
answered question 75
skipped question 0
C-23
3 of 4
5. Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household done any of the following to increase energy efficiency?
(check all that apply)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Installed insulation 5.3%4
Replaced windows with new ones
that have a higher insulation value
2.7%2
Replaced light bulbs with compact
fluorescent bulbs
30.7%23
Installed one or more programmable
timers to control lighting use
6.7%5
Installed programmable thermostat
(s) to control heat
20.0%15
Installed weatherization materials on
doors and windows
10.7%8
Unplug or fully turn off devices
to avoid power waste in standby
mode
52.0%39
Other measures 20.0%15
No changes made 26.7%20
If using other measures, please explain.18
answered question 75
skipped question 0
C-24
4 of 4
6. Since you installed Watt Buster, how are you evaluating your energy use? (check all those that apply)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
I just want to see my hourly
consumption.
38.7%29
I selectively turn different
appliances on and off to measure
their impact.
40.0%30
I am actively trying to lower my
energy consumption.
65.3%49
Other 17.3%13
If other, please explain.14
answered question 75
skipped question 0
7. How often do you check your Insight home display?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Every day 38.7%29
3-6 times per week 21.3%16
1-2 times per week 18.7%14
Less than once a week 21.3%16
answered question 75
skipped question 0
8. Comments or Suggestions?
Response
Count
9
answered question 9
skipped question 66
C-25
Residential Survey #2 – Answers to open‐end questions
Open‐Ended Questions – Watt Buster Survey #2
Q.3 Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household been empty for more than 5
days at a time, such as for a family vacation?
Respondents Response Date
If yes, how many
days?
1 05/15/2010 0
2 05/15/2010 0
3 05/15/2010 10
4 05/15/2010 0
5 05/16/2010 7
6 05/16/2010 40
7 05/17/2010 10
8 05/18/2010 0
9 05/18/2010 10
10 05/18/2010 15
11 05/26/2010 0
12 05/26/2010 0
13 05/26/2010 0
14 05/26/2010 12
15 05/27/2010 0
16 05/27/2010 0
Q.5 Since you installed Watt Buster, has your household done any of the following to
increase energy efficiency? (check all that apply)
– Change the temperatures for the programmable thermostat, turning off lights
when leaving a room
– moving more misc electronics to power strips that I can turn off
– installed high eff. gas boiler
– If I had money, I would install weatherization materials on doors and windows.
– Minimizing the time doors are open
– Bug on previous question‐‐will not allow same value for both aspects. Would like
to have 3 for both
– used appliances at lower peak times
– Most of these measures were in place prior to Watt Buster. Our phantom load
has actually increased from having the 4 Watt Buster devices plugged in, plus
leaving the DSL modem and wireless network on overnight (previously it was
switched off at night). I am measuring the wattage of the new devices and will
report on it later.
– installed Energy Star rated (85% AFUE rated) boiler system 4.15.2010
– I no longer leave my plasma TV on all day for my parrots.
– Replaced screen door.
C-26
Residential Survey #2 – Answers to open‐end questions
– New energy efficient garage door
– Am still plagued with unknown 400 usage at night so the current of each breaker
is being checked.
– ensure lights are turned off when not at home
– In process of repairing broken window
– installed two LED lights replacing incandescent
– new gas water heater
– New High Efficiency Furnace
Q.6 Since you installed Watt Buster, how are you evaluating your energy use? (check
all those that apply
– Planning on ways to safe energy in the future.
– I have been also using TED5000. It is interesting to see how the 2 measure
usage. I tend to like TED5000 better due to "live" usage graphing which makes it
easier to track down problems.
– I would like to selectively turn appliances on and off to measure their impact, but
often the translate isn't receiving a signal. I'm not patient enough. I guess.
– I continue to try to keep energy consumption low.
– I haven't. I was pretty conservative to begin with.
– I am too lazy to check the information provided by Watt Buster, and also I feel
that with no money to spare for energy efficiency measures and a small house
there is little I can do to change my energy use, other than to unplug all devices
but I am also too lazy to do that as they're used so often.
– I would like to do more, however have not. I intended to, but have not
implemented the changes
– Review of real time and daily consumption has also been informative
– nothing works it worked the first day then nothing.
– Interested in daily, rather than hourly, consumption
– I check both
– not much time to check right now
– review monthly electric bill
Q 8 Comments or suggestions
– The idea of the Watt Buster Program is GREAT and I'm really happy to be
participating. Expanded future opportunities should be given for folks to avail
themselves and there would be "more bang for the buck" if it were done in the
winter when there is: no sun, outdoor security lights are on longer, folks aren't
gone fishing, folks are cooking indoors rather than BBQing outdoors, auxiliary
electric heaters might be used, folks are indoors watching TV rather than doing
outdoor activities, vehicles are plugged in when it's cold, and there are probably
some others that aren't immediately coming to mind. The winter usage scores
would have more "shock value/impact" and therefore be more useful.
C-27
Residential Survey #2 – Answers to open‐end questions
– It would be helpful to have a Watt Buster meeting/gathering to talk about how
to use it to save on energy and how other people are making it work.
– house sitters were here mainly only to sleep for the 12 days we were out
– This rocks...thanks!
– Very busy past few months, have had time to thoroughly go through watt buster
– The website isn't granular enough and doesn't let me see minute by minute
tracking for more than 36 hours. I also can't download the data to my computer
to analyze it myself.
C-28
Closing Survey 6.29.10
Watt Buster Residential – Closing Survey
1. Did Watt Buster live up to your expectations?
Yes/no
2. Has the Watt Buster experience resulted in changes in your household
electrical use or appliances?
Yes/no
3. If yes, what are those changes? (check all that apply)
o Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
o Make sure that electronic devices are completely turned off or unplugged
when not in use
o In winter, turn down the thermostat before leaving the house
o Installed a programmable thermostat
o Run dishwasher, washing machine and dryer only with full load
o Turn down temperature of hot water heater
o Other___________________
4. Have you purchased any new appliance/s since March: yes/no
5. If yes, please check which appliance/s you purchased and whether they were
energy efficient models
Refrigerator energy efficient model? Yes/no
Freezer energy efficient model? Yes/no
Dishwasher energy efficient model? Yes/no
Washer energy efficient model? Yes/no
Dryer energy efficient model? Yes/no
Entertainment electronics energy efficient model? Yes/no
Computers energy efficient model? Yes/no
6. Do you plan to purchase energy efficient appliances in the future?
Yes/no
7. Are you more knowledgeable about your household energy use since
participating in Watt Buster?
Yes/no
C-29
Closing Survey 6.29.10
8. Are you more interested in energy efficiency since participating in Watt
Buster?
Yes/no
9. What information would help your household be more energy efficient?
Please rank the following from 1 to 4, with “1” for information that would be most
helpful and “4” for least helpful.
o Information about product models that are most energy efficient
o Information about which appliances, devices and equipment in my home are
least efficient
o Information about easy‐to‐change habits that would maximize efficiency
without impacting our lifestyle
o Information about how my electricity use compares to others in similar
homes
10. Now that you have been using a building energy monitor for several
months, what do you think are the most significant barriers to becoming more
efficient in your household electricity use?
Please rank the following from 1 to 7, with “1” for the most significant barrier and “7”
for the least significant barrier. Check N/A if the barrier is not applicable to your
household.
o High cost of replacing appliances such as refrigerators and stoves with more
efficient models
o “Kids being kids” leaving lights on and carelessly adjusting thermostats
o Too busy, other more important priorities to stay on top of everything, forget
to turn things off or down
o Preference towards convenience – like sitting down and turning on devices
with remote
o Aren’t well informed about the steps that can be taken
o Work hard all day – want comfort at home
o Electricity is not all that expensive – not worth the effort
11. What did you like about Watt Buster? (check all that apply)
The counter‐top display gave me instant information
C-30
Closing Survey 6.29.10
Historical data let me compare how we’re doing
It made me more conscious of my energy habits
Other ________________________________________________
12. What did you not like about Watt Buster? (open‐ended)
13. As a Watt Buster volunteer, you received this equipment free of charge.
How much do you think other households would be willing to pay on their
monthly electric bill to receive these and other benefits?
Up to $1 per month
Between $1 and $10 per month
Between $10 and $20 per month
Between $20 and $50 per month
Nothing
14. Do you have other comments or suggestions?
[open ended]
Thank you for participating in Watt Buster.
C-31
1 of 7
Watt Buster Residential - Closing Survey
1. Did Watt Buster live up to your expectations?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 73.6%64
No 26.4%23
answered question 87
skipped question 0
2. Has the Watt Buster experience resulted in changes in your household
electrical use?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 63.2%55
No 36.8%32
answered question 87
skipped question 0
C-32
2 of 7
3. If yes, what are those changes? (check all that apply)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Turn off lights in unoccupied
rooms
79.3%46
Make sure that electronic devices
are completely turned off or
unplugged when not in use
65.5%38
In winter, turn down the thermostat
before leaving the house
41.4%24
Installed a programmable
thermostat
24.1%14
Run dishwasher, washing machine
and dryer only with full load
56.9%33
Turn down temperature of hot water
heater
22.4%13
Other (please specify)27.6%16
answered question 58
skipped question 29
C-33
3 of 7
4. Have you purchased any new appliance(s) since March? (check all that
apply)
Purchased Energy Efficient Model
Response
Count
Refrigerator 100.0% (4)100.0% (4)4
Freezer 100.0% (1)100.0% (1)1
Dishwasher 66.7% (2)100.0% (3)3
Washer 66.7% (2)100.0% (3)3
Dryer 66.7% (2)66.7% (2)3
Entertainment Electronics 83.3% (5)83.3% (5)6
Computers 100.0% (7)57.1% (4)7
answered question 20
skipped question 67
5. Do you plan to purchase energy efficient appliances in the future?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 88.5%77
No 11.5%10
answered question 87
skipped question 0
C-34
4 of 7
6. Are you more knowledgeable about your household energy use since
participating in Watt Buster?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 82.8%72
No 17.2%15
answered question 87
skipped question 0
7. Are you more interested in energy efficiency since participating in Watt
Buster?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Yes 83.9%73
No 16.1%14
answered question 87
skipped question 0
C-35
5 of 7
8. What information would help your household be more energy efficient?
Please rank the following from 1 to 4, with "1" for information that would
be most helpful and "4" for least helpful.
1 2 3 4
Response
Count
Information about product models
that are most energy efficient 47.1% (41)19.5% (17)14.9% (13)18.4% (16)87
Information about which appliances,
devices and equipment in my home
are least efficient
59.8% (52)20.7% (18)5.7% (5)13.8% (12)87
Information about easy-to-change
habits that would maximize
efficiency without impacting our
lifestyle
52.9% (46)24.1% (21)12.6% (11)10.3% (9)87
Information about how my
electricity use compares to others
in similar homes
41.4% (36)11.5% (10)25.3% (22)21.8% (19)87
answered question 87
skipped question 0
C-36
6 of 7
9. Now that you have been using a building energy monitor for several
months, what do you think are the most significant barriers to becoming
more efficient in your household electricity use? Please rank the following
from 1 to 7, with "1" for the most significant barrier and "7" for the least
significant barrier. Check "N/A" if the barrier is not applicable to your
household
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 N/A
Response
Count
High cost of replacing appliances
such as refrigerators and stoves
with more efficient models
49.4%
(43)
19.5%
(17)
12.6%
(11)
2.3%
(2)
3.4%
(3)
5.7%
(5)
3.4%
(3)
3.4%
(3)
87
"Kids being kids" leaving lights on
and carelessly adjusting
thermostats
9.2%
(8)
9.2%
(8)
9.2%
(8)
8.0%
(7)
4.6%
(4)
6.9%
(6)
13.8%
(12)
39.1%
(34)
87
Too busy, other more important
priorities to stay on top of
everything, forget to turn things off
or down
10.3%
(9)
12.6%
(11)
18.4%
(16)
12.6%
(11)
8.0%
(7)
18.4%
(16)
14.9%
(13)
4.6%
(4)
87
Preference towards convenience –
like sitting down and turning on
devices with remote
12.6%
(11)
14.9%
(13)
21.8%
(19)
14.9%
(13)
9.2%
(8)
9.2%
(8)
10.3%
(9)
6.9%
(6)
87
Aren't well informed about the steps
that can be taken
4.6%
(4)
8.0%
(7)
12.6%
(11)
16.1%
(14)
11.5%
(10)
12.6%
(11)
24.1%
(21)
10.3%
(9)
87
Work hard all day – want comfort at
home
14.9%
(13)
10.3%
(9)
9.2%
(8)
14.9%
(13)
10.3%
(9)
16.1%
(14)
16.1%
(14)
8.0%
(7)
87
Electricity is not all that expensive
– not worth the effort
8.0%
(7)
3.4%
(3)
4.6%
(4)
16.1%
(14)
12.6%
(11)
16.1%
(14)
28.7%
(25)
10.3%
(9)
87
answered question 87
skipped question 0
C-37
7 of 7
10. What did you NOT like about Watt Buster?
Response
Count
59
answered question 59
skipped question 28
11. As a Watt Buster volunteer, you received this equipment free of
charge. How much do you think other households would be willing to pay
on their monthly electric bill to receive these and other benefits?
Response
Percent
Response
Count
Up to $1 per month 26.4%23
Between $1 and $10 per month 49.4%43
Between $10 and $20 per month 1.1%1
Between $20 and $50 per month 1.1%1
Nothing 21.8%19
answered question 87
skipped question 0
12. Do you have other comments or suggestions?
Response
Count
46
answered question 46
skipped question 41
C-38
« Back to SummaryIf yes, what are those changes? (check all that apply)# Response Date Other (please specify)1 Jul 1, 2010 8:25 PM unplugging unsed devices e.g. tv's really makes a differance2 Jul 1, 2010 8:30 PM Don't do so much laundry3 Jul 1, 2010 9:13 PM probably get rid of my 33 year-old upright freezer4 Jul 1, 2010 9:56 PM Installed energy saving lights throughout5 Jul 2, 2010 7:43 AMi don't run water when not needing it. I am on well so this really opened my eyes to electricity use when runningwater.6 Jul 2, 2010 3:52 PM we were already doing the other items listed7 Jul 5, 2010 5:25 PM turned off space heater in the crawl space8 Jul 6, 2010 3:25 PM overall awareness of power use throughout our home, loved it!9 Jul 6, 2010 4:11 PM much greater awareness of consumption patterns which has resulted in a conscious reduction of use10 Jul 7, 2010 8:40 PMdon't leave computers running all day when not in use. Re-initiated proper use of existing boiler night set backprogram.11 Jul 9, 2010 6:09 PM limiting use of the dryer - hanging clothes to dry12 Jul 9, 2010 7:26 PM Installed CFL an LED interior lighting13 Jul 10, 2010 5:17 PM awareness of the impact of electricity use14 Jul 15, 2010 2:04 AMAttempt to use appliances less, for example washing fuller loads of laundry. Wattbuster demonstrated to us howlarge the appliance load is in our home.15 Jul 16, 2010 5:22 PM Got smart strips16 Jul 22, 2010 10:40 PM Conscience of the general usuage.C-39
« Back to SummaryWhat did you NOT like about Watt Buster?# Response Date Response Text1 Jul 1, 2010 8:25 PM I would like to have Watt Buster for a longer period of time, for a year if possible.2 Jul 1, 2010 8:29 PM The lighting on the display unit was not bright and the unit itself did not seem to be well made.3 Jul 1, 2010 8:30 PM I think I can go on a website to check my usage ??? I don't know anything about this nor do I know my password.4 Jul 1, 2010 8:37 PM would like a better screen to read5 Jul 1, 2010 8:48 PM Hard to determine exactly what was happening with graphs.6 Jul 1, 2010 9:13 PMWhen the electricity to the computer was turned off at night and then turned on during the day, WattBuster did giveme the average consumption during that period but not the nuances to try to figure out what was giving the highsduring the night when the majority of things were supposedly "off". Consequently, it required flipping off variousbreakers during the night to narrow it down and then was given access to the "consumption meter" that interfacedbetween outlet and appliance. That device would have been good to have earlier on; therefore, that's myrecommendation - access it earlier on - probably a couple weeks after having WattBuster equipment so that apattern is known/established and "mysteries" arise.7 Jul 1, 2010 9:19 PMIt's not the program - it's that I didn't clearly see a benefit from using electricity at different times (e.g., should I dolaundry early in the morning, late evening) because we don't have peak rates and off-peak rates. That would beuseful I think...8 Jul 1, 2010 9:32 PM The need to have someone come to the house to install. Also, who is going to come out and remove?9 Jul 1, 2010 10:39 PM Can't say there was anything I didn't like.10 Jul 1, 2010 11:07 PM I had know problem ...Just need to check it.. when you by something new .. need to monitor..11 Jul 1, 2010 11:09 PM Not completely sure of what benefits I got from my participation.12 Jul 1, 2010 11:35 PM nothing13 Jul 2, 2010 12:04 AMDidn't work for part of the time, was hard to get the issue resolved so we ended up missing out on monitoring forabout 3 weeks.14 Jul 2, 2010 1:57 AMProgram did not allow me to see different energy usage of appliances nor did I ever learn about how our home usagecompared to others. Didn't fulfill what I thought it was supposed to provide.15 Jul 2, 2010 2:46 AMThere appeared to be a significant lag time between the time the appliance was turned on or off before the meterregistered a change.16 Jul 2, 2010 2:50 AM Would have liked a more detailed comparison of day to day usage.17 Jul 2, 2010 3:22 AMThe information was stale. I learned what was causing my peak usage very fast and then would see the sameinformation.18 Jul 2, 2010 3:48 AMDid not see the impact of actions that I take. For example, when I turn on the microwave, I don't see how much thatcosts or how much energy that uses. It is difficult to figure out the actual power/dollar impact of specific appliancessince Watt Buster is looking at the entire household and only updates a few times each minute. Not really clear onthe impact of things, need more information available to be helpful.C-40
What did you NOT like about Watt Buster?# Response Date Response Text19 Jul 2, 2010 6:07 AM None20 Jul 2, 2010 7:43 AMmonitor was a bit bland and after 1 or 2 days of using it I never used it for navigating or exploring...just what is mymost recent reading. I would rather have more real time feedback about my energy use - down to the second so thatI can investigate turning on and off a light or appliance. I bought a TED5000 and had it running along sidewattbuster gear the entire demo. I find TED5000 monitor way more useful from a consumption visibility basis. Iwould carry it around and monitor it.21 Jul 2, 2010 3:52 PM not enough information about power being used by individual appliances and electronic equipment22 Jul 2, 2010 4:37 PM The display device was hard to read, the graphics were cryptic, somewhat complicated23 Jul 2, 2010 6:16 PMI never bothered to check it. I would have been more interested if my information had been emailed to me once aday.24 Jul 2, 2010 8:18 PM Not being able to check the individual usage of the major electric applicances25 Jul 2, 2010 9:24 PMIt would have been more useful to see a longer comparison of cost and usage (i.e. longer than the previous 12months). More daily detail in energy use, rather than just the monthly average, would have been helpful.26 Jul 5, 2010 5:25 PMI could tell there was something about being able see how my home energy use compared to similar houses, but Icouldn't figure out how to do that.27 Jul 6, 2010 3:25 PMlots to plug in, and Not enough information on display screens, would like more information in the form of a graph orin Dollars.28 Jul 6, 2010 4:11 PM nothing, it was great!29 Jul 6, 2010 9:06 PMWith the Vantage portal, it would have been nice to have the ability to do more "research" on my own--e.g., selectthe time periods to view and the time interval, overlay weather data, select periods to compare, etc. It also would begood to better identify the usage from a particular item in the house.30 Jul 6, 2010 10:48 PMThere were no instructions or support for users (it seemed like this was missing) There wasn't any communicationwith the utility besides the surveys31 Jul 7, 2010 3:55 AMI wish there was a classroom Q&A session before the program started - it would have made the program easier tounderstand, and I would probably gotten much more out of it.32 Jul 7, 2010 5:17 PM Just one more electronic device to pay attention to.33 Jul 7, 2010 8:40 PMcomparison to other 'similar' house seems meaningless without more info on the other house. Couldn't pin down anyreason for the few days when I used less energy than others.34 Jul 8, 2010 4:40 AM It uses energy to monitor energy. Seems ironic35 Jul 9, 2010 2:50 PM I had to replace the model and in the end it went out again.36 Jul 9, 2010 6:09 PM Would loved for it to show me peak times and what appliances were using energy in real time.37 Jul 9, 2010 7:04 PMThe presentations were not signifigant. One screen showed the total cost from the beginning of the day. So what? Itwould be better to show the instantaneous rate of usage.38 Jul 9, 2010 7:10 PM I expected more information from the web portal.39 Jul 9, 2010 7:26 PM Can't easily tell what household device is using electricityC-41
What did you NOT like about Watt Buster?# Response Date Response Text40 Jul 9, 2010 7:39 PMI would have liked more information on things to try to reduce my consumption. I would like to have heard about thesuccesses others were having at reducing their bills and how they accomplished it. Would like to have seen all myinformation on the Tendril device instead of having to go from Tendril to Web. Would be nice to have fewer boxesto install.41 Jul 9, 2010 8:39 PMLack of ability to monitor specific devices or systems to determine where the power was actually being used. WattBuster only shows data for the entire house.42 Jul 10, 2010 5:11 AM It requires attention from the whole family. Some family members could not be bothered to pay attention.43 Jul 10, 2010 5:55 AM Program is over.44 Jul 10, 2010 6:13 PMUnfortunately for me the equipment that I was provide did not function properly. After two attempts to get theequipment to work I basically gave up. Therefore our participation in the program did not happen as planned. Iaccept full responsibility for not following thru and swapping out the equipment as requested. That's my loss.45 Jul 10, 2010 7:21 PM I didn't work at all flashed the whole time.46 Jul 12, 2010 8:15 PMTried running certain appliances and checking usage, but it was hard to determine effect. If possible it would be niceto have something put on difference appliances that would automatically tell me at end of month how much eachappliance was costing me.47 Jul 13, 2010 11:23 PMInformation was great, but economically not able to make great changes at this time. Made us feel a little guiltyabout our usage.48 Jul 14, 2010 12:58 AM Menu's difficult to understand.49 Jul 14, 2010 7:20 PMI had a hard time getting the translate to read my meter. I had to keep moving it. Then the insight would say mymonthly bill would be really high, much higher than normal. That didn't make sense. After a while I stopped lookingat the insight. It would have been nice if the insight really did tell me what I was using. Actually, it would be nice toknow things like which appliance uses "too much", so I could actually do something about it.50 Jul 15, 2010 2:04 AMHad a little difficulty setting up the equipment mostly due to the need to add a switch to my home network toprovide an available port. Adding the switch was easy, but the network had some difficulty recognizing the Tendrilequipment on the network until it was adjusted with the help of Tendril tech support, Also, in final several weeks ofuse the Transport did not upload the info to the internet. On the positive side, the Tendril customer service folkswere outstanding and took the time to help customers, even calling back when they had new approaches torecommend. The final internet communication problem may have been a faulty device. The Tendril customer servicefolks and I tested several scenarios and the next step was going to be to replace the device, but the program endedsooner. Make note of this if the equipment is reused at another household.51 Jul 15, 2010 6:17 AMdidn't feel like it told us a lot of information; too many devises to plug in and take up space (space in home, plusspace on our router)52 Jul 16, 2010 5:22 PMFor me I would liked to have had a hands on learning experiece about it. I am not electromic minded and I felt Idid'nt use it to its fullest potential.It is a great program and it definetly made me more aware. There are many thingsabout my house which I cannot change which makes it difficult but the cost of the electricty encourages me to bemore efficient.C-42
What did you NOT like about Watt Buster?# Response Date Response Text53 Jul 16, 2010 10:56 PM So many hook ups. Had to run 3 devices to get a reading.54 Jul 17, 2010 9:47 PM I enjoyed the test, however found we are on track.55 Jul 19, 2010 5:13 PMYou took my equipment away and didn't even give me a chance keep it, or purchase it, after I asked repeatedly andgot no response. Let's face, I don't think any of us were doing this for a wopping $5 off our monthly electrical bill!56 Jul 20, 2010 2:02 AMI wish I had more time to dedicate to monitoring...I found that during the busy summer months might not have beenthe best time to try this out, as we are out and about...busy with summer activities. Winter would have been the truertime to see the usage.57 Jul 20, 2010 3:33 AMWould like alarms or reminders that can be set. Like when your electricity usage exceeds certain amounts, or ishigher than neighbors, etc.58 Jul 24, 2010 1:18 AMNo matter what I did, I could not seem to significantly lower my consumption. I bought surge protectors for mytelevisions and completely powered them off when not in use - no significant reduction was noted. I'm rarely home, Ihardly cook, I only dry about 3 loads of laundry per week - yet my electricity is always in the $200 per month range.I feel completely frustrated.59 Jul 25, 2010 12:37 AMVery difficult to view detailed by time comparative consumption to understand what actions were consumingelectricity.C-43
« Back to SummaryDo you have other comments or suggestions?# Response Date Response Text1 Jul 1, 2010 8:25 PMRegarding the last question, "how much would other households be willing to pay,? If other households could see asignificant savings on their bills they are going to be more likely to use a device similar to Watt Buster. Similar to myrefrigerator, it is hard for me to justify buying a new energy efficent refrigerator if I'm only saving a dollar a month inelectrical bills and a new appliance is going to cost $1,200 to $1,500. I would have to have that appliance for 12 to15 hundred months to break even, thats 100 to 125 years.2 Jul 1, 2010 8:29 PMWhat we realized through the program was the value of electricity -- that is, how mach benefit we actually receivefor 25 cents an hour of electric use. Our children responded that electricity was already inexpensive and nothingfurther needed to be done (from a value perspective). I had more interest in following daily consumption patterns inthe beginning of the program but this faded through time since daily consumption patterns within a given season donot materially change. We did not have the monitor installed and in use during the dark and coldest months - perhapsthis would generate more interest during these time periods. Bottom line is that the cost of electricity is just not alarge enough component for use to change our behavior. Having said this, we would be willing to run the dishwasheror washer / dryer on a timer to save money. Thanks for allowing us to participate in the program. We really enjoyedit.3 Jul 1, 2010 8:30 PM How do I go on the website -- I don't know my password????4 Jul 1, 2010 9:13 PMGreat Program! Very glad to be able to use it! The 2nd category for #11 should be between $1-5/month and nextshould be $5 - $10 a month. After than, then jump by $10 increments because it makes a big difference as to howmuch you are willing to pay if consumption is $50/month versus $1,500/month.5 Jul 1, 2010 9:19 PMI'm pretty conscientious about electricity and energy use already - had prior to the program (and before taxincentives) already changed out all the windows and doors, fixed venting and added more insulation in the attic,bought a new water heater, and had energy efficient dishwasher, dryer and fridge. The only major piece remaining isthe gas heater, which is not old enough to replace, and we can't really afford to do that yet... I really think incentivesaround when electricity is used are needed as much as how much. I experienced rolling blackouts in CA, so amsensitive to that.6 Jul 1, 2010 9:56 PM Would like to have breakdown of energy usage - breakdown of appliances, lights and boiler7 Jul 1, 2010 10:39 PMI liked having the daily monitor of how much electricity we used - liked the graph on the internet to see whichhousehold products using electricity would cause it to spike - electric heaters. I wish I could keep the equipment tocontinue to monitor my usage!8 Jul 1, 2010 11:07 PM no other comments.. thanks for the beta test..9 Jul 1, 2010 11:09 PM I look forward your final report.10 Jul 1, 2010 11:35 PMI actually rarely glanced at it once it was in place. My biggest energy user was a plasma tv and once I was informedabout that, I dramatically cut down on its use and saw my bill go down. Other than that, I am already fairly frugalthanks to my upbringing. Lights are only every on when I'm in the room. Heat is turned as low as possible.Appliances not being used are unplugged,etc.C-44
Do you have other comments or suggestions?# Response Date Response Text11 Jul 2, 2010 1:57 AM Complete waste of my time and Chugach's resources.12 Jul 2, 2010 2:46 AM no13 Jul 2, 2010 3:48 AM Thanks for the opportunity!14 Jul 2, 2010 6:07 AMI think it would best serve a household when used in conjunction with the additional outlet meter to plug specificdevices to see how effecient it is or is not.15 Jul 2, 2010 6:33 AMThe ability to control your home energy use through personal remote devices such as cellphones, smart phones,etc.along with email messages, tweets, etc. alerting the user of various changes in use.16 Jul 2, 2010 7:43 AMI run my dishwasher with 4 hr delay so it runs at 2am usually. Chugach does not offer off peak rate plans but itwould be an interesting idea. Thanks - I truly enjoyed being part of this program and providing feedback. Powerconsumption is of great interest to me.17 Jul 2, 2010 3:52 PMThe equipment was helpful in the beginning because we could see how changing some things decreased our powerusage. But once you have that information, and make changes, there doesn't seem to be much more you can do.18 Jul 2, 2010 8:18 PM Thank you for allowing us to participate. It has been interesting to monitor the power usage as activities changed.19 Jul 2, 2010 9:24 PMThe timing of future programs should occur during the highest energy use months rather than the lowest energy usemonths is recommended. Please make an effort to offer the WattBuster program again, possibly over a longer periodof time (>6 mos) and during a more energy intensive period to be able to make better comparisons.20 Jul 5, 2010 5:25 PM Thank you for letting me try this.21 Jul 6, 2010 3:25 PMGood start, I am happy there is a follow up energy program to graduate to, I will be looking forward to being a partof the new program, THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY22 Jul 6, 2010 4:11 PMthank you so much for allowing me to particpate; I am grateful for the assistance to be more green, which is a bigpriority in our home.23 Jul 6, 2010 9:06 PMI think the devices would have a greater impact on my behavior is there were pricing incentives/disincentives forusing electricity at particular times of day, etc.24 Jul 6, 2010 10:48 PMWe didn't feel like there was any kind of training or instructions to go with the equipment. Was there an on-linetutorial? If so, I wasn't aware of it An instructional DVD would have been helpful. It also would have been nice tohave met at least once with someone from Chugach to get familiarized with the program. It would have been cool tohave met with other folks who were participating in the program. At the very least, it would have been nice to haveseen success stories about how Watt Buster households were effectively lowering their consumption. There didn'tseem to be any ongoing check ins with the users besides the surveys. We didn't feel like we were part of anythingspecial, but it was cool to have the equipment and get the readings.25 Jul 7, 2010 5:17 PM Gather Information on Energy Efficient Appliances and how members can get assistance in paying for them.26 Jul 7, 2010 8:40 PMon the chart comparing daily usage to that of other's, I did not discover until the last week that if I clicked on a day,it gives a detailed chart of hourly usage for that day. That would have very much enhanced my efforts to reduceusage and to know what I had done that had significant effect.27 Jul 8, 2010 4:40 AMIndividual energy monitors that plug between an electronic device and the outlet would be equally helpful. Thiswould help pinpoint the energy consumptions of specific individual electronics. Chugiach could offer online tools toC-45
Do you have other comments or suggestions?# Response Date Response Texthelp consumers determine breakeven analysis on decisions like a new appliance (annual current applianceconsumption) vs (potential new appliance appliance consumption adjusted for life expectancy, cost, and federalincentives)28 Jul 9, 2010 6:09 PMIf CEA has to use a additional generator to supply steady energy at peak times, then the cost of using energy at thosetimes should be more costly to discourage the convenient use of energy at that time - especially since alot ofappliances can be timed to start later.29 Jul 9, 2010 7:04 PMThe display uses information received every 15 minutes from the meter and then displays the average over that timeperiod. If you really want this program to work use that information real time or at least cut the time down to 30 secor one minute. What I would like to see is the ability to walk around my house turning appliances off individuallyand immediately (not 15 minutes later) see the effect it has on my useage. That way I can easily analyze what isusing the KW. If I see that a particular item is using a lot of juice and I don't need it, I will shut it off. The way thesystem is set up now I cannot do that. If the system could do that people would use it as a tool to monitor theiruseage. If when they turn on a light and they saw the display jump they would be more inclined to not turn it on. Ifyou would like to discuss this further please call me. 30 Jul 9, 2010 7:39 PM It was interesting to look at my consumption.31 Jul 9, 2010 8:39 PM Great idea and well-run evaluation program. Looking forward to the next phase.32 Jul 10, 2010 6:13 PM I lost interest when the equipment I was given did not work as advertised.33 Jul 10, 2010 7:21 PM find a system that actualy works.34 Jul 12, 2010 4:59 PMIt was a great idea, we just did not use it to make decisions. The information was interesting, but hard to apply tosomething real.35 Jul 12, 2010 8:15 PMThanks for giving this a try. I hope you are able to learn something from the program and will share your results withus. I thought I would learn more about my own usage but I don't feel that I did. Maybe that's my fault.36 Jul 13, 2010 6:39 PMWe purchased a new electric range in the beginning of May. The equipment is burdensome. Put in smart gridtechnology in concert with all railbelt utilities and provide realtime elec/cost monitoring via the internet.37 Jul 13, 2010 11:23 PM It was informative and was a constant reminder about our usage.38 Jul 14, 2010 7:20 PMI had a hard time getting the translate to read my meter. The insight seemed to be telling me the wrong estimate ofwhat my bill would be. After a while, I didn't even look at the insight. It would be nice to know which appliance uses"too much" so I could actually do something about it. I think we already conserve energy by doing all the "easy"things, like turning things off, turning down the thermostat, etc. I really like the programmable thermostat. It worksso much better than the one I had. Of course, it's not winter now. My gas bill is so high I turn off the boiler-thing.With a programmable thermostat I don't need to. I don't know how much people would be willing to pay for this. AsI said, I stopped looking at it, and I don't think it saved me any money. I wouldn't be willing to pay anything. Butothers who would save money, they might be willing to pay for it.39 Jul 15, 2010 2:04 AMQuestion #2. We already did all of those options prior to the WattBuster program, so behavior did not change, butwe do perform those listed actions. Question #9, what are the barriers to more energy efficiency in our house: Iranked these in order, however only one of the listed items is a real barrier in our household: the cost of replacingC-46
Do you have other comments or suggestions?# Response Date Response Textmajor appliances, We have made dozens of energy improvements in the home, the appliances are the next mainimprovement needed (laundry, fridge, dishwasher), however the entry cost is high and the payoff is relatively long.Another high cost improvement would be the boiler and side-arm water heater, which again would be very high costand the savings would be mostly natural gas. The second obstacle is time to perform some of the next highest priorityefficiency measures, such as rewiring more efficient T-8 or T-5 lighting in the garage. We do make the time for theconservation measures, such as turning off equipment and lights when not in use. General Comments: As aconservation-minded customer, I was concerned with the energy it takes to power the Tendril equipment, so Imeasured the Wattage. The three Tendril devices (not including the Set Point) plus the switch I had to install toprovide an extra port used 11.2 Watts fairly constantly while in use at home. The whole system (including router andwireless network, but not including the Set Point) used a measured 19.9 W while in use. Once removed from serviceand plugged in individually, the devices used the following energy fairly consistently across time. The totals whilenot in use are a little lower than those measured when they were in use. Translate: 1.1W Gateway: 1.9W Insight:1.1W Set Point: 1.3W Total Tendril Equipment= 5.4W The additional switch used 3.2W And my existing router andwireless network together uses 8.7W The grand total energy use is between 17.3W and 21.2W. Plus I used to turnoff the router and wireless network when not in use, which was typically about 16 hours per day. Therefore, Icalculate that the average extra energy this system used was 12.24 kWh per month. ((Tendril equip 11.2W x 24hr x30 days) + (additional internet connection time 8.7W x 16hr x 30days) = 12.24 kWh) Other users likely experiencedthe same increase in energy use during the test phase. Be sure to back out these energy expenditures from customerswhen analyzing results. I have not counted the energy that the meter and its signal uses. If it is sending a wirelesssignal, it will be using some energy. Is this on the customer side or the utility side of the meter, and is the wattageknown? I also have results of the responsiveness of the Tendril equipment. In the test scenario, a load was placed onthe home and the response of the Tendril equipment to that load was measured. I will provide a graph of the resultsin a separate document. As I recall, there is an approximate 2 minute delay from the load change until it is registeredon the Tendril Insight device. Overall, I am impressed with the equipment, with Chugach Electric's WattBusterprogram, and with Tendril's support. Thank you for providing this program.40 Jul 16, 2010 5:22 PMI think it is a great program shared my experience with family in europe, most new homes have similar built indevices which is more the norm there than the exception and they are slaves to being much more energy efficientthan here. As we live in a duplex I would like to have one for my renters so they could monitor how they arespending money. The elecric bill is included in thier rent so for monitering purposes and encouraging them to bemore considerate I would love it.Thank you for allowing me into the program.41 Jul 16, 2010 10:56 PMCompairing it to the newer trial of Open View, I would much rather have the one device running everything. I dohowever like the automatic thermostat and being able to use remote on-line access to adjust the settings.42 Jul 17, 2010 6:16 AMI powered our Watt Buster equipment with a power strip that also powers several of my computers and peripheraldevices. When away from home for extended periods, we try to shut this equipment off. When I did so during thesurvey, I also lost several days of data gathering (the first time I did this). You might alert future survey participantsto this potential.C-47
Do you have other comments or suggestions?# Response Date Response Text43 Jul 19, 2010 5:44 AMUnfortunately I have been too busy since I got into the wattbuster program and have not had the oppurtunity to getinvolved very much.44 Jul 19, 2010 5:13 PMI believe it is very poor foresight from you to ask people to volunteer for something they are interested in and thennever give them the incentive to keep the equipment or purchase the equipment. You might want to look ahead alittle further in your experiments. You actually have made a poorer relationship with me, when you could haveeaslily made a better one.45 Jul 24, 2010 1:18 AMThis program was an inconvenience for me and if I had it to do over again, I would not have participated. I gleanednothing from the equipment - no measurable reduction in consumption. I was completely disapointed.46 Jul 25, 2010 12:37 AM Great idea, but equipment and website in particular were very poorly implemented.C-48
Comparison Survey
1. How easy was each monitor to use? Please rank them from 1 to 3, with “1” the
easiest and “3” for the most difficult.
Tendril
EnergyHub
OpenPeak
2. How valuable was the information you got from the energy monitor?
Please rank the monitors from 1 to 3, with “1” as most valuable and “3” as least
valuable.
EnergyHub
Tendril
OpenPeak
3. How easy was it to install? Please rank the monitors from 1 to 3, with “1” as the
easiest and “3” the most difficult.
OpenPeak
EnergyHub
Tendril
4. What did you like about Tendril?
5. What did you dislike about Tendril?
6. What did you like about OpenPeak?
7. What did you dislike about OpenPeak?
8. What did you like about EnergyHub?
9. What did you dislike about EnergyHub?
10. Other comments?
C-49
Easy Moderate Difficult Rating Average
Response
Count
4 3 2 1.78 9
2 1 6 2.44 9
3 5 1 1.78 9
9
0skipped question
EnergyHub
How easy was each monitor to use? Please rank them from 1 to 3, with "1" being the easiest and "3" for the
most difficult.
answered question
Tendril
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
OpenPeak
Answer Options
How easy was each monitor to use? Please rank them
from 1 to 3, with "1" being the easiest and "3" for the most
difficult.
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
Tendril
EnergyHub
OpenPeak
C-50
Most
Valuable Valuable Least
Valuable
Rating
Average
Response
Count
2 4 3 2.11 9
5 1 3 1.78 9
2 4 3 2.11 9
9
0skipped question
Tendril
How valuable was the information you got from the energy monitor? Please rank the monitors from 1 to 3,
with "1" being the most valuable and "3" the least valuable.
answered question
EnergyHub
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
OpenPeak
Answer Options
How valuable was the information you got from the energy
monitor? Please rank the monitors from 1 to 3, with "1"
being the most valuable and "3" the least valuable.
1.60 1.70 1.80 1.90 2.00 2.10 2.20
EnergyHub
Tendril
OpenPeak
C-51
Easy Moderate Difficult Rating Average
Response
Count
4 5 0 1.56 9
1 2 6 2.56 9
4 2 3 1.89 9
9
0skipped question
EnergyHub
How easy was it to install? Please rank the monitors from 1 to 3, with "1" being the easiest and "3" the
most difficult.
answered question
OpenPeak
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
Tendril
Answer Options
How easy was it to install? Please rank the monitors
from 1 to 3, with "1" being the easiest and "3" the most
difficult.
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
OpenPeak
EnergyHub
Tendril
C-52
Response Count
9
9
0
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
I like that with Tendril you could monitor or change your
thermostate from the internet.
2 Sep 25, 2010 4:54 AM
Excellent wireless connectivity with the meter. Good base
station display.
3 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM
It shows overall energy consumption with graphs/cost
breakdown.
4 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
I liked being able to compare usage one week to the next and
see if had improved my energy performance over the work
before. I liked being able to check information from my
5 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM It's simplicity and small footprint.
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM was nice to see the hourly reading
7 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
We liked the comparison with other users and the real time
usage.
And the usage graph.
8 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM
It showed some nice information like to remember to turn off
the heat in the garage at the end of the season.
9 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM Output was clear and understandable
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you like about Tendril?
Answer Options
C-53
Response Count
8
8
1
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
I didn't like the transmitter, maily because my son
would constantly unplug it. Also having three
devices running.
2 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM
Information seems compaounded and not easy to
analyze.
3 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
It would have been nice to know which specific
electronics/appliances were using the most
energy. Mainly this device taught me to be more
aware of what was on and to turn things off.
4 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM
Lacks a colorful screen and interface. Looks old
school.
5 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM hard to see and read compared to the other ones
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
Would like to have the real time usage broken
done in smaller time increments.
7 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM
the difficulty to hook it up and ended up being bad
equpment and had to be replaced.
8 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM The monitor had to be near the receiver
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you dislike about Tendril?
Answer Options
C-54
Response Count
8
8
1
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
It was very simple to connect, and view usage.
Also loved the clock feature.
2 Sep 25, 2010 4:54 AM Simple set-up.
3 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM
It is like a mini home computer with other features
that my kids enjoyed to play with. My kids wished
we could keep it. It showed similar electricity
consumption information as the Tendril
4 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM
It's style, design and interface. It looks like a
modern device, almost 'apple' like in design. I like
the various apps, touchscreen and Internet
connection. It blends into modern living spaces
quite nicely. It would be perfect if offered in various
colors.
5 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM
everthing I really liked that it can also break down
gas, electric, etc ...
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
usage graph, the smaller time increments and the
clock.
7 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM The robo clock
8 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM Didn't get much of a chance to play with this one
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you like about OpenPeak?
Answer Options
C-55
Response Count
9
9
0
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
Not as detailed in the usage, and couldn't control
the thermostat, and wasn't able to monitor online
remotely.
2 Sep 25, 2010 4:54 AM No ability to monitor individual devices.
3 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM I had to reset it a few times when it went off line
4 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
My least favorite, it has a lot of gizmos that are
redundant to other devices we already own. I
didn't like the way it displayed the energy use
compared to the tendril, I felt I got more useful info
from the tendril. It was also the largest of the
three.
5 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM
It did not have a web browser to access the
Internet.
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM really did not see anything
7 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
would like to hav had the comparison graph and
usage based on 5 minute time increments.
8 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM It was difficult to get it to read the internet system.
9 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM Seemed difficult to set up
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you dislike about OpenPeak?
Answer Options
C-56
Response Count
8
8
1
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM n/a
2 Sep 25, 2010 4:54 AM
The ability to monitor individual appliances, and
the ability connect with the power peter.
3 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM
I am able to see in real time the electric
consumption of individual appliances in my home.
It is more user friendly.
4 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
I liked that you could program specific outlets on
and off. I liked that you could read energy usage
from specific outlets
5 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM
The other units only provided overall information
on your home energy use. What separates
EnergyHub from the other units is its ability to
monitor energy use on individual
appliances/devices.
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM very easy to operate
7 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM It gave some good information.
8 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM Monitor is nice, communicates with SmartMeter
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you like about EnergyHub?
Answer Options
C-57
Response Count
9
9
0
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
I was overwelmed by just opening the box, all the
cords, then the directions to set it up where
enough to discourage me from trying it out.
2 Sep 25, 2010 4:54 AM
It rarely worked. The wireless connection was
spotty at best on a highly reliable wireless
network. The sockets and outlet transmitters were
in the same room with the base station and the
wireless router. I replaced the entire system once
during the test period (after it didn't work at all)
and the new one would only work about ten
minutes at a time, then drop its connectivity for no
apparent reason.
3 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM Not enough plugs for my appliances.
4 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
It took a long time to install. The need to move
furniture to get to the outlets and rework plug ins
to be able to monitor energy use was a hassle for
a short term study, I don't think I was able to use it
effectively. For instance, I couldn't get to the
outlet of my water heater so I could measure it
which was one thing I really wanted to measure.
We have so many electronics in so many places
of our house one strip wasn't enough and the
on/off freaked out my kids, they thought thier
electronics would be ruined.
5 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM The look and style of the unit.
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM small screen
7 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
the energy Hub is more of a hassle than I want to
deal with.
8 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM Too many parts to it.
9 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM
Need to plug in different devices. Also, took a
long time to begin monitoring whole home
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
What did you dislike about EnergyHub?
Answer Options
C-58
Response Count
8
8
1
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Sep 24, 2010 8:33 PM
I think Open Peak was the best overall. It didn't
take up a lot of room, only one outlet, and didn't
require additional set up. With most customers not
being tech savy this would benefit the majority of
users.
2 Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM
Overall my participation in the wattsbusters
program has helped my family to be aware of what
we need to conserve energy.
3 Sep 25, 2010 7:23 PM
The last study on the energy hub should have
been for a longer length of time.
4 Sep 30, 2010 1:12 AM
Thanks for allowing us to participate in this
program. Will Chugach be offering customers
these types of units in the future?
5 Sep 30, 2010 6:12 PM thanks for the opprtunity!!! I really enjoyed this
6 Sep 30, 2010 6:44 PM
I liked botjh the Tendril and the Open Peak. the
concepte of the Energy Hub is good and if I were
going to install one in my hous permanently it
might be worth the circus to set it up, but frankly I
want a plug and play device. A techno nerd might
like the bells and whistles of the Energy Hub but
for me I don't see the benefit.
Something I would like is a portable watt meter so
I could go around the house and measeure the
current being used by my household Items. I have
shown friends and family the Open Peak and
Tendril monitors and the question I get is how
energy does the; refrigerator, microwave, hair
dryer,. clothes dryer, dishwasher use? and I can't
quantify that.
7 Oct 1, 2010 10:26 PM
It was interesting to participate in it and over all
and had amused my children with all the
information it had.
8 Oct 5, 2010 3:41 AM
To rank systems:
1. Tendril
2. EnergyHub
3. OpenPeak
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Comparison Survey
Other comments?
Answer Options
C-59
Electricity Monitors Survey questions
4.5.10
Customer name:
Service address:
Account #:
1. Which type of energy consumption monitor did you borrow from Chugach Electric? [circle all that
apply]
Kill A Watt
Watts Up
2. Why did you borrow the monitor from Chugach Electric? [circle all that apply]
I was curious
I want to reduce my energy use
I want to lower my electric bill
3. Was it easy to use? [yes or no]
4. Which appliances and other electronics did you monitor? [circle all that apply – or specify]
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stand‐alone freezer
Television
Computer system
Other [specify]
5. Was there one major appliance in particular that your wanted to measure? [specify]
6. While taking measurements, was there any one appliance or electronic device with energy
consumption that surprised you? [specify]
7. Based on what you learned, have you made any changes? [yes or no]
8. Based on what you learned, do you intend to make any changes? [yes or no]
C-60
1 of 4
Electricity Monitors Survey
1. Customer Name
Response
Count
84
answered question 84
skipped question 0
2. Service Address
Response
Count
79
answered question 79
skipped question 5
3. Account #
Response
Count
66
answered question 66
skipped question 18
C-61
Response
Percent
Response
Count
65.8% 52
34.2% 27
79
5
Electricity Monitors Survey
skipped question
Which type of energy consumption monitor did you borrow from Chugach Electric? (check
all that apply)
Answer Options
Kill A Watt
Watts Up
answered question
Which type of energy consumption monitor did you borrow from
Chugach Electric? (check all that apply)
Kill A Watt
Watts Up
C-62
Response
Percent
Response
Count
65.4% 51
67.9% 53
73.1% 57
78
6skipped question
I want to reduce my energy use
Why did you borrow the monitor from Chugach Electric? (check all that apply)
answered question
I was curious
Electricity Monitors Survey
I want to lower my electric bill
Answer Options
Why did you borrow the monitor from Chugach Electric? (check all that apply)
60.0%
62.0%
64.0%
66.0%
68.0%
70.0%
72.0%
74.0%
I was curious I want to reduce my energy
use
I want to lower my electric bill
C-63
Response
Percent
Response
Count
79.7% 55
20.3% 14
69
15
Electricity Monitors Survey
skipped question
Was it easy to use?
Answer Options
Yes
No
answered question
Was it easy to use?
Yes
No
C-64
Response Percent Response
Count
70.8% 46
20.0% 13
38.5% 25
53.8% 35
47.7% 31
39
65
19
Number Response Date Other (please specify)
1 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Chest Freezer
2 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM
Furnace, Washing machine, Hot Water
heateer
3 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM Shop/Garage
4 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM Security System
5 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM Lights
6 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Head bolt heaters for car and boiler
7 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Fans, Computer backup and Laser Printer
8 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Washer and Dryer
9 Jul 23, 2010 10:03 PM curling iron and blow dryer
10 Jul 23, 2010 10:06 PM Toaster
11 Jul 23, 2010 10:07 PM portable phone, engine block heater
12 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM Lizards on lights
13 Jul 23, 2010 10:22 PM Shredder
14 Jul 23, 2010 10:27 PM Lights
15 Jul 23, 2010 10:30 PM Washing Machine
16 Jul 23, 2010 10:34 PM Wii, PS2, PS3
17 Jul 23, 2010 10:36 PM pond pump
18 Jul 23, 2010 10:41 PM Dryer
19 Jul 23, 2010 10:42 PM Clock radio, stove
20 Jul 23, 2010 10:44 PM under the weather and not able to use it
21 Jul 23, 2010 10:48 PM Hepa filter, home theater
22 Jul 26, 2010 6:26 PM 6 computers, heating pad
23 Aug 12, 2010 8:46 PM Electric lawn mower, LED flashlight
24 Aug 26, 2010 5:07 PM Heater
25 Aug 26, 2010 5:09 PM Lamp - already have a fluorescent bulb in it
26 Aug 31, 2010 3:48 PM x 2
27 Aug 31, 2010 3:53 PM
would like to monitor refrigerator and freezer
but plug was not accessible
28 Aug 31, 2010 3:55 PM
curling iron, Xbox, play station, vacuum
cleaner
29 Sep 9, 2010 6:57 PM dryer, toaster
30 Sep 9, 2010 6:58 PM none
Electricity Monitors Survey
Stand-alone freezer
skipped question
Answer Options
Computer system
Microwave
answered question
Which appliances and other electronics did you monitor? (check all that apply)
Television
Refrigerator
Other (please specify)
C-65
31 Sep 9, 2010 7:02 PM
cell phone & pda. other applicances were
too difficult to reach plug.
32 Sep 9, 2010 7:05 PM chargers, radio, iPod dock
33 Sep 13, 2010 7:13 PM hot tub
34 Sep 16, 2010 4:48 PM air cleaner
35 Sep 17, 2010 12:32 AM freezers - 1 old & 1 new
36 Sep 20, 2010 3:49 PM Refrigerator
37 Oct 4, 2010 7:16 PM
Trying to track what caused increase in
usage since 11/2009
38 Oct 4, 2010 7:19 PM Electric Heater
39 Oct 4, 2010 7:20 PM washer/dryer
Which appliances and other electronics did you monitor? (check all that apply)
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
Refrigerator Microwave Stand-alone
freezer
Television Computer system
C-66
Response Count
62
62
22
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Chest Freezer
2 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Furnace
3 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Computer
4 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM Computer
5 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM TV
6 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM Security System
7 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM Computer and TV
8 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Head bolt heaters
9 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Refigerator and freezer
10 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM
No, just wanted to know how much usage each
item used
11 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Refigerator
12 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM no
13 Jul 23, 2010 10:03 PM Refigerator
14 Jul 23, 2010 10:03 PM clothes dryer
15 Jul 23, 2010 10:04 PM Refigerator
16 Jul 23, 2010 10:06 PM Freezer
17 Jul 23, 2010 10:07 PM Refigerator and freezer
18 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM heating lamps
19 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM Stand-alone freezer and old fridge in garage
20 Jul 23, 2010 10:20 PM refrigerator
21 Jul 23, 2010 10:22 PM Refrigerator
22 Jul 23, 2010 10:23 PM Television
23 Jul 23, 2010 10:27 PM computer
24 Jul 23, 2010 10:30 PM TV
25 Jul 23, 2010 10:31 PM chest freezer
26 Jul 23, 2010 10:34 PM Television
27 Jul 23, 2010 10:36 PM pond pump
28 Jul 23, 2010 10:41 PM
Refrigerator (couldn't monitor - built-in), range,
dishwasher, furnace or hot water heater
29 Jul 23, 2010 10:42 PM refrigerator
30 Jul 23, 2010 10:47 PM no
31 Jul 23, 2010 10:48 PM refrigerator
32 Jul 23, 2010 10:50 PM freezer
33 Jul 23, 2010 10:51 PM no
34 Jul 23, 2010 10:56 PM freezer
35 Jul 23, 2010 11:00 PM refrigerator
36 Jul 26, 2010 6:26 PM monitors
37 Aug 2, 2010 11:31 PM Refrigerator
38 Aug 6, 2010 5:32 PM Television
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Survey
Was there one major appliance in particular that you wanted to measure?
Answer Options
C-67
39 Aug 12, 2010 8:46 PM computer & LCD TV, but unable to access outlets
40 Aug 26, 2010 5:07 PM Heater
41 Aug 26, 2010 5:09 PM refrigerator
42 Aug 31, 2010 3:48 PM old refrigerator
43 Aug 31, 2010 3:53 PM computer
44 Sep 9, 2010 6:57 PM freezer
45 Sep 9, 2010 6:58 PM refrigerator & freezer
46 Sep 9, 2010 7:00 PM freezer, refrigerator, tv
47 Sep 9, 2010 7:02 PM refrigerator
48 Sep 9, 2010 7:05 PM computer
49 Sep 9, 2010 9:43 PM freezer
50 Sep 13, 2010 7:09 PM no
51 Sep 13, 2010 7:11 PM computer & refrigerator
52 Sep 13, 2010 7:13 PM hot tub
53 Sep 13, 2010 7:15 PM refrigerator - 3; mine and duplex (rental property)
54 Sep 13, 2010 11:35 PM refrigerator
55 Sep 17, 2010 12:32 AM listed above
56 Sep 20, 2010 3:49 PM no
57 Oct 4, 2010 7:10 PM Refrigerator
58 Oct 4, 2010 7:12 PM Freezer
59 Oct 4, 2010 7:18 PM Refrigerator
60 Oct 4, 2010 7:19 PM Refrigerator
61 Oct 4, 2010 7:20 PM TV, washer/dryer
62 Oct 4, 2010 7:22 PM furnace - but it's wired in & I couldn't check it
C-68
Response Count
49
49
35
Number Response Date Response Text
1 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Cable Box
2 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM Computer
3 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM No
4 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM TV
5 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM TV
6 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM No
7 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Freezer low and Laser printer high
8 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM No
9 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Yes, I thought it would use more as it is old
10 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM no
11 Jul 23, 2010 10:03 PM No
12 Jul 23, 2010 10:03 PM no
13 Jul 23, 2010 10:04 PM no
14 Jul 23, 2010 10:06 PM toaster
15 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM lamps cost 80 cents a day
16 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM Not really
17 Jul 23, 2010 10:20 PM no
18 Jul 23, 2010 10:30 PM TV, Washing Machine
19 Jul 23, 2010 10:31 PM extra refrigeration
20 Jul 23, 2010 10:34 PM Microwave
21 Jul 23, 2010 10:36 PM Refrigerator much lower than expected
22 Jul 23, 2010 10:41 PM all
23 Jul 23, 2010 10:42 PM co detector
24 Jul 23, 2010 10:46 PM no
25 Jul 23, 2010 10:47 PM no
26 Jul 23, 2010 10:50 PM not really
27 Jul 23, 2010 10:51 PM no
28 Jul 23, 2010 10:58 PM computer
29 Jul 23, 2010 11:00 PM
plasma tv and media electronics used most
energy
30 Jul 26, 2010 6:26 PM heating pad, monitors
31 Aug 2, 2010 11:31 PM No
32 Aug 12, 2010 8:46 PM No, had no idea what to expect
33 Aug 26, 2010 5:07 PM No
34 Aug 26, 2010 5:09 PM no
35 Aug 31, 2010 3:48 PM no
36 Aug 31, 2010 3:53 PM TV
37 Sep 9, 2010 6:57 PM no
38 Sep 9, 2010 7:02 PM no
39 Sep 9, 2010 9:43 PM freezer was very high
answered question
skipped question
Electricity Monitors Survey
While taking measurements, was there any one appliance or electronic device with energy consumption
that surprised you?
Answer Options
C-69
40 Sep 13, 2010 7:09 PM no
41 Sep 13, 2010 7:11 PM
computer was lower than I thought it would be
(laptop)
42 Sep 13, 2010 7:13 PM no
43 Sep 13, 2010 7:15 PM for the good - yes
44 Sep 17, 2010 12:32 AM no
45 Sep 20, 2010 3:49 PM no
46 Oct 4, 2010 7:10 PM no
47 Oct 4, 2010 7:12 PM no
48 Oct 4, 2010 7:19 PM Electric Heater
49 Oct 4, 2010 7:22 PM no
C-70
Response
Percent
Response
Count
36.9% 24
63.1% 41
12
65
19
Number Response Date
Other (please
specify)
1 Jul 23, 2010 9:57 PM Will turn it off more ofter
2 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Delayed buying a new one
3 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Not yet
4 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM put lamps on timer so that they could save money
5 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM still deciding
6 Jul 23, 2010 10:30 PM not yet
7 Jul 23, 2010 11:00 PM cleaned behind fridge, coils
8 Aug 12, 2010 8:46 PM not yet
9 Aug 31, 2010 3:44 PM I didn't learn nothing too hard to use.
10 Aug 31, 2010 3:55 PM cut off TV etc. only plug in when using
11 Sep 13, 2010 7:11 PM unplug when not using
12 Sep 13, 2010 7:15 PM didn't buy a new refrigerator
skipped question
No
Based on what you learned, have you made any changes?
answered question
Yes
Electricity Monitors Survey
Other (please specify)
Answer Options
Based on what you learned, have you made any changes?
Yes
No
C-71
Response Percent Response
Count
62.3% 38
37.7% 23
22
61
23
Number Response Date Other (please specify)
1 Jul 23, 2010 9:55 PM Not sure
2 Jul 23, 2010 9:58 PM Didn't get to use it
3 Jul 23, 2010 9:59 PM Maybe
4 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM Buy a new fridge next year instead of this year
5 Jul 23, 2010 10:00 PM didn't use
6 Jul 23, 2010 10:02 PM Did not use
7 Jul 23, 2010 10:04 PM Reported he didn't use it
8 Jul 23, 2010 10:06 PM Keep freezer full
9 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM
Homeschooling 6 kids. Would like to borrow
again to do more with fun person.
10 Jul 23, 2010 10:09 PM not yet
11 Jul 23, 2010 10:34 PM not sure
12 Jul 23, 2010 10:50 PM maybe
13 Jul 23, 2010 11:00 PM
turn tv and computer off completely; bought
energy star rated fridge
14 Jul 26, 2010 6:26 PM
1) You should notifiy the person using it that
CEA's kWh rate is input. 2) Now that I am more
familiar with it I would like to set up a
spreadsheet & monitor more appliances. I can
estimate now what my usage is better by using
the machine. Some of these take time to get a
good reading (average).
15 Aug 6, 2010 5:34 PM
wasn't able to use this - we were looking to
check the hot tub
16 Aug 31, 2010 3:55 PM a few
17 Sep 9, 2010 6:57 PM
Easy of use: Soft of. I'm a visual person, so a
flow chart or photos would have helped.
18 Sep 9, 2010 7:00 PM
Ease of use: Can't move big appliances to plug
this into
19 Sep 9, 2010 7:06 PM No responses given - Jean
20 Sep 16, 2010 4:48 PM no money to change appliances currently
21 Sep 17, 2010 12:32 AM
Would to check out later this window. Unable to
monitor "switches" or direct-wired furnace
22 Sep 20, 2010 3:49 PM Better choices in energy use
skipped question
No
Based on what you learned, do you intend to make any changes?
answered question
Yes
Electricity Monitors Survey
Other (please specify)
Answer Options
C-72
Based on what you learned, do you intend to make any changes?
Yes
No
C-73