BigPatents India

A utility usage rate monitor that allows a utility consumer to monitor their current rate of consumption of a utility service. The monitor can display the rate of consumption in a form that has particular relevance to the consumer such as the cost or rate of expenditure on the utility or a greenhouse gas emission reduction rate. The monitor has a transducer (1) that senses the rate that the utility is being supplied to the consumer. The transducer produces a signal and sends it to a remotely located consumer interface (15) via a transmission link (16). An awareness of the expenditure or greenhouse gas emission associated with the current levels of consumption of the utility can motivate the consumer to modify their consumption habits and minimise wastage. (FIG. - 1)