Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  How often does TED update the data?

A.  TED updates its data every second!

Q.  Are there batteries to change?

A.  No. TED will never have to have batteries changed. It is truly maintenance-free. (And TED only costs about $0.08 per month to operate!)

Q.  How accurate is TED?

A. TED is calibrated to be accurate to within 2%! (But you will likely find it to be closer to 1%).

Q,  How sensitive is TED?

A.  TED is sensitive to 1-WATT!  If you turn on a 10-watt bulb, TED will know (and immediately show) that you turned on a 10-watt bulb! You will find those "phantom" loads!

Q.  Is every TED compatible with Google PowerMeter?

A.  All TED 5000 packages work with Google PowerMeter. The TED 1000 series does NOT work with Google PowerMeter.

Q.  Do I need to reset TED each month?

A.  No...TED is fully-automatic. Once set up, TED will perform all functions automatically!

Q.  Can I use TED to measure individual circuits?

A.  Yes....although TED is designed to measure your entire home, you can easily measure individual circuits simply by clipping the thumb-squeeze CTs over the circuit you wish to monitor.

Q.  Does TED measure true power?

A.  Yes, TED measures true RMS power; TED does take into account Power Factor.

Q.  Can TED control appliances in my home?

A.  TED is being designed to perform automatic load-shedding functions. See the 'SUPPORT' area for 3rd party applications using TED in Home Automation.

Q.  Can I use TED to monitor a 'mother-in-law' apartment?

A.  You certainly can. Simply clip the thumb-squeeze CTs over the supply to the apartment.

Q.  Will I lose data if I unplug TED or if the power goes off?

A.  No. TED stores data in non-volatile memory. You will never lose data. However, if you do unplug TED, any power being used will not be recorded.

Q.  I have a Photovoltaic System and I send power back to the grid. Does TED perform net metering?

A.  Yes. TED5000 does perform net metering. See the specs on TED 5000 Series.

Q.  Where can I get TED?

A.  TED is available through our secure online store, click here to order your TED today!

Q.  Will TED interfere with X-10 and other home automation systems?

A.  TED has its own data transmission stream that should not interfere with any other home automation products.

Q,  Will my Utility reduce my electricity rate if I install TED?

A.  Having TED in your home may qualify you for a different tariff schedule. You will need to check with your local utility.

Q.  Is TED more accurate than my utility meter?

A.  If you feel that TED has presented a case of your meter being inaccurate, simply call your Utility. They will be happy to send someone out to confirm its accuracy. (TED is accurate to within 2%!!)

Q.  Will TED work with 230v 50Hz Service (service generally found outside of North America)?

A.  Not at this time. We are working on a 230v50Hz system that should be available in the Nov/Dec 2010 timeframe.

Q.  What is involved in installing TED?

A.  A technically-savvy homeowner, neighbor, friend or electrician can easily install TED in 10-15 minutes. TED operates on the existing wires in your home, so there is no need to run any additional wires. To see a diagram of the installation, see Installation under the 'SUPPORT' heading.

Q.  Is TED hard to program?

A.  TED is only as difficult to setup as your electricity bill is to understand. Once the 'setup' routine has been completed, TED permanently stores all the data that has been entered, even in the event of a power outage. Unlike your VCR it only needs to be re-programmed if your electricity rates change.

Q.  How does TED work?

A.  TED's transmitting device, located in your circuit breaker panel, measures the amount of electricity coming into your home as you demand/use it, and transmits data every second over your receiving unit. The receiving display unit can be plugged into any A/C outlet in your home.

Q.  How long will it take to get my money back from the purchase of TED?

A.  In the home of a conscientious energy consumer, it could be as short as a few months. It would certainly depend on one's use of TED. So, how fast do you want the payback to be? Using the analogy of the 'bathroom scale', how fast do you want to lose weight? It depends on how conscientious you are.

Q.  How much does TED cost?

A.  TED 1000 has been designed to be affordable in almost every household, costing only $119. And, with the passage of the 2004 Energy Bill, households could receive a 100% tax credit on the purchase of TED. And, TED will likely pay for itself in months! Then it's money in your pocket! Studies have shown that savings range from 10-20% when you are able to monitor your electricity usage in real time.

Q.  Can I purchase stock in Energy, Inc.?

A.  Energy, Inc. is a privately-held company, and as such does not have stock available to the public. We are flattered by your interest, though.

Q.  Are there any other versions of TED?

A.  We are working on a 3-phase unit for commercial applications, as well as a 240v 50Hz version for non-North American use.

Please also see FAQs under TED 5000 for more Q/A.