Power Check Energy Meter Program

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Hennepin County introduced a new Power Check Energy Meter Program on October 1, 2009. The program is a joint effort between Hennepin County, Hennepin County Library and the local electrical utility company Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy provided 50 Power Check meters to Hennepin County to place into circulation at its libraries. The meters may be checked out by Hennepin County library patrons for a period of up to three weeks. They are used to measure the electrical usage of home appliances and electronic devices. By simply plugging in the electronic device into the meter and plugging the meter into the electrical socket, the amount of electricity being consumed is displayed on the screen. An information booklet is provided with the meter that provides instructions on how to use the meter and how to determine energy use and costs. The goal of the program is to help home owners identify large energy users and calculate the cost-savings of upgrading to more efficient devices or simply unplugging devices when they are not being used. Four months after the start of the program, more than 720 library patrons are currently waiting for their chance to check out a meter. With the growing importance to conserve energy and reduce utility costs to the home owners, it is no surprise that this program has become incredibly successful.