Frequently Asked Questions

TXU Energy Power MonitorTM General Questions

  1. I have an Energy Monitor and now you have a TXU Energy Power MonitorTM instead, what's the difference?
  2. Can you tell me more about the Power MonitorTM?
  3. What information will the Power MonitorTM provide?
  4. Are there any fees related to Power MonitorTM?
  5. What are the parts of the Power MonitorTM?
  6. What level of savings can I expect from using the Power MonitorTM?
  7. How does the Power MonitorTM work?
  8. Can the Power MonitorTM device control appliances in my home?
  9. Will the Power MonitorTM device interfere with X-10 and other home automation systems?
  10. What kind of information does the Power MonitorTM provide on my individual electrical appliances and devices?
  11. Will I own the Power MonitorTM?
  12. I just received my bill and the amount I owe does not match the amount the Power MonitorTM says that I should owe?

Service and Helpdesk

  1. Who do I call if I have questions on how to use the Power MonitorTM?
  2. What happens if the Power MonitorTM malfunctions?
  3. What if my bill cycle / meter read date, sales tax or rate changes?
  4. Can I use the Power MonitorTM with another TXU Energy electric plan?
  5. Can I sign up for average billing / e-bill / recurring bank draft with TXU Energy, or can I stay on these services with this product?

Installation

  1. What is involved in installing the Power MonitorTM device?
  2. Does the Power MonitorTM have an installation fee?
  3. How do I schedule the installation of my Power MonitorTM?
  4. How can I reschedule the installation of my Power MonitorTM?

Permit and Inspection

  1. Why does the electrical contractor have to request an electrical permit for the installation of the Power MonitorTM?
  2. What is the electrical permit fee?
  3. What happens once an electrical permit is issued?
  4. When/How do I schedule an inspection?

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TXU Energy Power MonitorTM General Questions

  1. I have an Energy Monitor and now you have a TXU Energy Power MonitorTM instead, what's the difference?
    The Energy Monitor is now called TXU Energy Power MonitorTM. Both are energy-monitoring devices with an easy-to-read, in-home display that enables customers to monitor their electricity consumption by displaying usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and its estimated cost in dollars.
  2. Can you tell me more about the Power MonitorTM?
    • The Power MonitorTM from TXU Energy is an in-home device the size of a small clock radio that measures and displays your energy usage in near real-time in kWh and its estimated cost in dollars.
    • The Power MonitorTM transmits energy usage data from your main electric service panel to its Display Unit (DU) over the home's existing wiring; thus, no new wiring is required.
    • With the Power MonitorTM, which has your rates already pre-programmed into it, you can observe not only your current electricity usage and estimated cost at a given point in time, month-to-date, and at month's end, but also your projected billing month's end usage and costs.1
    With Power MonitorTM, you will be able to:
    • Minimize what you spend on electricity every month. Save up to 10% on your electricity usage when you use information from the TXU Energy Power MonitorTM to manage your energy consumption.2
    • Pinpoint wasteful electricity usage so you can reduce it.
    • Gain more control over your electricity usage.
    • Increase your knowledge of how to save money on your electricity bill.
  3. What information will the Power MonitorTM provide?
    • Current energy consumption in kilowatts (kW).
    • Current estimated energy cost in dollars and cents per hour ($/hr).
    • Energy consumed so far today in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
    • Estimated energy cost so far today in dollars and cents ($).
    • Energy consumed so far in the current billing cycle in kWh.
    • Estimated energy cost so far in the current billing cycle in $.
    • Projected energy usage for current billing cycle in kWh.
    • Projected energy cost for current billing cycle in $.
    • Peak electrical demand so far in the current billing cycle in kW.
    • Estimated peak usage so far in the current billing cycle in $/hr.
    • Current voltage in Volts (V).
    • Minimum and maximum voltage in the current billing cycle in Volts (V).
    • Current Energy Rate $/kWh.
    • Current Date & Time.
    • Timer.
    • Alarms.
    • Historical Data.
  4. Are there any fees related to Power MonitorTM?
    Please refer to your specific plan Terms of Service Agreement or refer to the Current Customer section in this website. Early cancellation and/or equipment return fees may apply in certain cases.
  5. What are the parts of the Power MonitorTM?
    The Power MonitorTM may include the following equipment, depending on the model:
    • One In-Home Monitoring Package delivered to you for use inside the home and consisting of one Display Unit and, for some models, one Gateway (wireless communication unit);
    • One set of Breaker Panel Devices, consisting of one pair of Current Transformers and one Measuring Transmitting Unit, installed in the primary circuit breaker of your home by a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy.
  6. What level of savings can I expect from using the Power MonitorTM?
    You can achieve savings every time you reduce your electricity usage, which will reduce your electricity costs. To help you reduce your electricity usage, you can use the information provided by the Power MonitorTM to modify your electricity usage behavior. Studies have shown that if you utilize the information provided by the Power MonitorTM to change how you use electricity, you could reduce your usage up to 10%.3
  7. How does the Power MonitorTM work?
    • The breaker panel devices located in your circuit breaker panel measure the amount of electricity coming into your home as you use it and then transmit your usage data over your existing house-wiring to the display unit. Due to differences in the electrical system in each home, there may be some areas of the house where the Power MonitorTM will not get a reading. The electrician will help you look for the best location for the devices.
    • The display unit (DU), which will have your electricity rates pre-programmed into it, then records / displays your energy usage information in kWh and its estimated cost in dollars.
    • As a result, you will be able to monitor your electricity usage at any given point in time, for the day and for the month-to-date.
    • Then, based on your electricity usage patterns, meter read date, etc., the Power MonitorTM can project an estimate of what your electricity usage will be at month's end.4
    • Since the Power MonitorTM will have your electricity rates and sales tax pre-programmed into it as well as your electricity usage information, meter read date, etc., the Power MonitorTM can estimate what your electric bill is at any given point in time for the month-to-date, and what it will be at month's end.5
  8. Can the Power MonitorTM device control appliances in my home?
    No, the Power MonitorTM device does not control appliances, but provides you valuable energy usage information about your appliances when you use them.
  9. Will the Power MonitorTM device interfere with X-10 and other home automation systems?
    No, the Power MonitorTM device has its own data transmission stream that will not interfere with any other home automation products.
  10. What kind of information does the Power MonitorTM provide on my individual electrical appliances and devices?
    The Power MonitorTM displays the energy usage and estimated costs for your whole home. To see the energy usage and estimated cost for an individual electrical appliance or device, you will have to look at the display both before and after you turn the individual electrical appliance or device on to see the incremental change in the information displayed.
  11. Will I own the Power MonitorTM?
    No, the Power MonitorTM is owned by TXU Energy and is provided by TXU Energy in conjunction with your electric service. For this reason, after it is installed, you may keep the Power MonitorTM equipment for as long as you are a TXU Energy customer, even after your Power MonitorTM Service Agreement has expired.

    Under certain circumstances, you may be required to return the Power MonitorTM equipment to TXU Energy. If you fail to do so, you may be charged an Equipment Fee of $150. Please refer to your Terms of Service Agreement for details or to your specific electric plan FAQs in this website.
  12. I just received my bill and the amount I owe does not match the amount the Power MonitorTM says that I should owe?
    I understand your confusion and would like to take a moment to verify that your TXU Energy bill is correct. If we find an issue with your bill, as your Customer Care Advocate, I'll be sure to adjust your bill appropriately.

    If your bill is correct, I want to make you aware that certain factors including the date and time the utility meter is read, the distance between the utility meter and the electric panel, and other variables will result in monthly usage totals recorded by the Power MonitorTM that are slightly different than those measured by your electric utility. Also, there may be other non-recurring charges that may affect the total of your bill.

    To ensure that your Power MonitorTM is programmed correctly and/or is functioning correctly, refer to your Power MonitorTM User's Guide, which should provide you with what you need to see if your Power MonitorTM is set-up and working properly.

    Also, you can refer to the Troubleshoot and Frequently Asked Questions sections in the Power MonitorTM website (www.txu.com/powermonitor). If you still have questions or are having technical difficulty with the Power MonitorTM, you can call the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.

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Service and Helpdesk

  1. Who do I call if I have questions on how to use the Power MonitorTM?
    TXU Energy provides you with a Power MonitorTM User's Guide, which should provide you with the information you need to use the Power MonitorTM. Also, you can refer to the Troubleshoot and Frequently Asked Questions sections in the Power MonitorTM website (www.txu.com/powermonitor). If you still have questions or are having technical difficulty with the Power MonitorTM, you can call the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.
  2. What happens if the Power MonitorTM malfunctions?
    If you have any technical difficulty with your Power MonitorTM, you can call the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support. If your Power MonitorTM breaks due to a manufacturer's defect or normal wear and tear within the first 2 years, it will be covered under the Energy, Inc. Limited Warranty as outlined in the Power MonitorTM Service Agreement.
  3. What if my bill cycle / meter read date, sales tax or rate changes?
    If any of these factors change, your Power MonitorTM will need to be re-programmed. Instructions to program the Power MonitorTM are located in your Power MonitorTM User's Guide. If you have difficulty programming your display, you can call the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.
  4. Can I use the Power MonitorTM with another TXU Energy electric plan?
    The Power MonitorTM will work with any TXU Energy plan; however, you will need to program the new rates into it if you change plans.
  5. Can I sign up for average billing / e-bill / recurring bank draft with TXU Energy, or can I stay on these services with this product?
    If you are a new TXU Energy customer, we offer many flexible billing options to help you manage your bill. You may view these billing options on www.txu.com or I can tell you about them now. Keep in mind that if you enroll in average billing, the Power MonitorTM estimated cost projection will not match your bill amount.

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Installation

  1. What is involved in installing the Power MonitorTM device?
    You must install the Power MonitorTM within the first 90 calendar days after receiving the Power MonitorTM In-Home Monitoring Package by using a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy. The actual installation generally takes less than 30 minutes and is paid for by TXU Energy.

    Please contact the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, to arrange for a professional electrician to schedule the installation of the Power MonitorTM in your home, at your earliest convenience.

    The city where you reside may require an electrical permit for the Power MonitorTM installation. Your installer will inform you whether a permit is needed. The cost of the permit and inspection is covered by TXU Energy.
  2. Does the Power MonitorTM have an installation fee?
    TXU Energy Power MonitorTM includes the installation at no cost to you. You must install the Power MonitorTM using a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy. Please contact the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, to arrange for a professional electrician to schedule the installation of the Power MonitorTM in your home, at your earliest convenience.
  3. How do I schedule the installation of my Power MonitorTM?
    Please call the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, for installation. They will help you schedule the installation of the Power MonitorTM in your home, at your earliest convenience.
  4. How can I reschedule the installation of my Power MonitorTM?
    To reschedule your installation, you will have to contact the Power MonitorTM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, for installation.

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Permit and Inspection

  1. Why does the electrical contractor have to request an electrical permit for the installation of the Power MonitorTM?
    Some cities may require an electrical permit for all Power MonitorTM installations. An electrical permit grants the contractor permission to perform the requested installation, and at the same time, serves as a mechanism to ensure that the installation complies with current local electrical codes. After the installation is finished, the electrical contractor will be required to call for an inspection. You may be required to be present at the time of inspection.
  2. What is the electrical permit fee?
    The cost of the electrical permit will be covered by TXU Energy and varies from city to city.
  3. What happens once an electrical permit is issued?
    Once the permit has been requested, the contractor will be required to notify the city that the work is ready for inspection. A building inspector will come to your home and review the work for compliance with the city's electrical code.

    If the work does not pass the inspection, the electrical contractor will be given a list of corrections to make. Once the corrections are made, the contractor will need to call for re-inspection. After all of the necessary inspections have been made and approved, the permit will be closed.
  4. When/How do I schedule an inspection?
    TXU Energy's contractor will schedule the inspection for you; the contractor will let you know the time and date the inspector will come to your home.

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1 Mark Certain factors including the date and time the utility meter is read, the distance between the utility meter and the electric panel, and other variables will result in monthly usage totals recorded by the Power MonitorTM that are slightly different from those measured by your electric utility.

2 Research shows that useful feedback can result in reductions in energy use of 4 to 15 percent.

3 Research over the past two decades has documented that useful feedback can result in reductions in energy use of 4 to 15 percent. Fryer Stein, Lynn. "Final Report California Information Display Pilot Technology Assessment." December 21, 2004. Primen, Inc.

Past studies of providing instantaneous feedback on household electrical demand show promise to reduce energy consumption by 10-15%. Danny Parker and David Hoak, Florida Solar Energy Center; Alan Meier and Richard Brown, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "How Much Energy Are We Using? Potential of Residential Energy Demand Feedback Devices."

4 Ibid

5 Ibid


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