How to Audit Electricity Usage?

Question

My electric bill seems excessive to the point that I'm starting not to believe it &mdash; it's just shy of $5K per year in San Diego. We mostly avoid A/C, but use our mini split system in one room for part of some hotter work days. We use fans, and have several computers set to sleep when not in use.My question is: What's the best way to audit my electrical usage against my provider's claims? I can apparently get hourly snapshots via a "Green Button" download. I have a smart meter that uses Itron OpenWay. I'm happy to invest in needed smart plugs and/or devices that work with my smart meter.Also, is there any point in calling my provider before I do a self-audit?Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

not_your_vase · Accepted Answer

So basically you are billed for about 1000kWh/month? That's not a small amount, unless you charge an EV at home (in which case it is not much at all).I would put a KillAWatt on the big consumers first, and run for a week. Then continue with the mid-consumers for a week, if it still doesn't add up.