Kill-A-Watt^® Electricity Monitors

Proven to be one of the most requested and popular "whodunits" at public libraries around Maine is the Kill-A-Watt^®.

No, it's not the latest mystery novel on the bestseller list but rather an electricity usage monitor and educational tool kit available for free checkout from the library. The monitors will help Mainers detect the "energy thieves" in their homes, and the tool kit will help them put the lid on power consumption by appliances and electronics in their homes and businesses.

The Kill -A-Watt and tool kit is on loan in most Maine public libraries as part of a state-wide community outreach campaign by Efficiency Maine.

Mainers can check out the Kill-A-Watt monitors, just as they would check out a book, from their local library at no charge.

These monitors simply plug into electrical outlets and then allow a consumer to plug in any appliance to get readout on how much electricity the appliance uses and then calculate how much money it's costing.

The educational tool kits include a home energy savings tips brochure and energy tips bookmark, which patrons may keep.

Tips for Using the Monitor

• Do not exceed the maximum rating of the device.
• Try using a plug strip or a grounded extension cord for ease of use.
• Read the device before unplugging.
• Test for 1 hour; press the purple button to read the kWh. Multiply the kWh reading by $.17 to find the cost to operate for the hour.
• Complete instructions

Whodunit? If you have used the Kill-A-Watt Energy Detector, please take this survey at Survey Monkey.

Kill-A-Watt Radio Spots

| View Line-up Audio Script

| View Interrogation Audio Script

Don't have a library in your town? Visit the Maine State Library's website to find out how you can request materials via the mail. http://www.maine.gov/msl/outreach/booksbymail

Cost Calculator

To calculate how much an appliance is costing you, check out this calculator created by the Lewiston Public Library. Simply enter in your read-out data from the monitor and the page will calculate how much the appliance is costing you a month.