Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell me more about the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

•  The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM is an in-home device the size of a small clock radio that measures and displays your energy usage in near real-time in kWh and its estimated cost in dollars.
•  The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM transmits energy usage data from your main electric service panel to its Display Unit (DU) over the home's existing wiring; thus, no new wiring is required.
• With the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, which has your rates already pre-programmed into it, you can observe not only your current electricity usage and estimated cost at a given point in time, month-to-date, and at month's end, but also your projected billing month's end usage and costs¹.

 

With the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, you will be able to:

• Minimize what you spend on electricity every month. Save up to 10% on your electricity usage when you use information from the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM to manage your energy consumption².
• Pinpoint wasteful electricity usage so you can reduce it.
• Gain more control over your electricity usage.
• Increase your knowledge of how to save money on your electricity bill.
• See your estimated monthly energy cost before your bill arrives.

 

What are the benefits of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM provide?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM helps you:

• Minimize what you spend on electricity every month. Save up to 10% on your electricity usage when you use information from the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM to manage your energy consumption².
• Pinpoint wasteful electricity usage so you can reduce it.
• Gain more control over your electricity usage.
• Increase your knowledge of how to save money on your electricity bill.
• See your estimated monthly energy cost before your bill arrives.
  

 

What information will the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM provide?

• Current energy consumption in kilowatts (kW).
• Current estimated energy cost in dollars and cents per hour ($/hr).
• Energy consumed so far today in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Estimated energy cost so far today in dollars and cents ($).
• Energy consumed so far in the current billing cycle in kWh.
• Estimated energy cost so far in the current billing cycle in $.
• Projected energy usage for current billing cycle in kWh.
• Projected energy cost for current billing cycle in $.
• Peak electrical demand so far in the current billing cycle in kW.
• Estimated peak usage so far in the current billing cycle in $/hr.
• Current voltage in Volts (V).
• Minimum and maximum voltage in the current billing cycle in Volts (V).
• Current Energy Rate $/kWh.
• Current Date & Time.
• Timer.
• Alarms.
• Historical Data.
  

 

What are the parts of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM may include the following equipment:

• One In-Home Monitoring Package delivered to you for use inside the home consisting of one Display Unit.
• One set of Breaker Panel Devices, consisting of one pair of Current Transformers and one Measuring Transmitting Unit, installed in the primary circuit breaker of your home by a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy .
  

 

What level of savings can I expect from using the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

You can achieve savings every time you reduce your electricity usage, which will reduce your electricity costs. To help you reduce your electricity usage, you can use the information provided by the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM to modify your electricity usage behavior. Studies have shown that if you utilize the information provided by the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM to change how you use electricity, you could reduce your usage up to 10%.³.

 

How does the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM work?

• The breaker panel devices located in your circuit breaker panel measure the amount of electricity coming into your home as you use it and then transmit your usage data over your existing house-wiring to the display unit. Due to differences in the electrical system in each home, there may be some areas of the house where the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM will not get a reading. The electrician will help you look for the best location for the devices.
• The display unit (DU), which will have your electricity rates pre-programmed into it, then records / displays your energy usage information in kWh and its estimated cost in dollars.
• As a result, you will be able to monitor your electricity usage at any given point in time, for the day and for the month-to-date.
  Then, based on your electricity usage patterns, meter read date, etc., the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM can project an estimate of what your electricity usage will be at month's end.⁴
• Since the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM will have your electricity rates and sales tax pre-programmed into it as well as your electricity usage information, meter read date, etc., the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM can estimate what your electric bill is at any given point in time for the month-to-date, and what it will be at month's end.⁵
  

 

Do I need to program the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM when I receive it?

During installation the electrician will program your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM with your appropriate electricity rate and your meter read date. You will not need to program your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM unless there is a change to your electricity rate or meter read date. Instructions to program your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM are included in your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Users Guide that will be provided to you with the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM. If you have difficulty programming your display, you can call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll free number at 1-877-488-5349 for technical support.

 

Can the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM device control appliances in my home?

No, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM device does not control appliances, but provides you valuable energy usage information about your appliances when you use them.

 

Will the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM device interfere with X-10 and other home automation systems?

No, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM device has its own data transmission stream that will not interfere with any other home automation products.

 

What kind of information does the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM provide on my individual electrical appliances and devices?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM displays the energy usage and estimated costs for your whole home. To see the energy usage and estimated cost for an individual electrical appliance or device, you will have to look at the display both before and after you turn the individual electrical appliance or device on to see the incremental change in the information displayed.

 

Will I own the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

No, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM remains the property of TXU Energy. After it is installed, you may keep the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM equipment until your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement is cancelled.

Under certain circumstances, you may be required to return the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM equipment to TXU Energy. If you fail to do so, you may be charged an Equipment Fee of $100. Please refer to your Terms of Service Agreement for details.

 

Billing Questions

Is there a fee associated with the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

Yes, there is a monthly fee of $4.99 associated with the use of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM. The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly fee of $4.99 will be included as a charge on your monthly TXU Energy retail electric service bill and be due with your TXU Energy bill payment after the Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices have been installed in your electric breaker by a TXU Energy preferred licensed electrician .
In addition, early cancellation and/or equipment return fees may apply in certain cases.

 

What do I get for the monthly fee?

For a monthly fee of $4.99, you get to use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM equipment that can help you save up to 10% on your monthly electricity bill.

 

How will I be charged for the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly fee of $4.99 will be included as a charge on your monthly TXU Energy retail electric service bill and be due with your TXU Energy bill payment after the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices have been installed in your electric breaker by a TXU Energy preferred licensed electrician .

 

When will the Power Monitor^TM fee start appearing on my bill?

TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly fee of $4.99  will be included as a charge on your monthly TXU Energy retail electric service bill after the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices have been installed in your electric breaker by a TXU Energy preferred licensed electrician .

 

When will the fee for the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM be due?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly fee of $4.99 will be due with your TXU Energy bill payment by the date mentioned on your monthly statement.

 

Do I get one month of TXU Energy Power Monitor™ fee waived if I install the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM within the first 30 days of receiving the in-home-energy monitoring kit?

Yes, your first month's TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM charge will get waived if you install it within thirty (30) days of receiving the In Home Monitoring Package.
Please contact the Power Monitor Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, to arrange for a professional electrician to schedule the installation of the ^{TXU Energy} Power Monitor^TM in your home, within the first thirty (30) days and you will get one month of Power Monitor use FREE.

 

Service and Helpdesk

Who do I call if I have questions on how to use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

TXU Energy provides you with a TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM User’s Guide, which should provide you with the information you need to use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM.  If you still have questions or are having technical difficulty with the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, you can call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.

 

What happens if the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM malfunctions?

If you have any technical difficulty with your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, you can call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support. If your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM breaks due to a manufacturer’s defect or normal wear and tear within the first 2 years, it will be covered under the Energy, Inc. Limited Warranty as outlined in the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement.

 

What if my bill cycle / meter read date, sales tax or rate changes?

If any of these factors change, your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM will need to be re-programmed.  Instructions to program the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM are located in your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM User’s Guide.  If you have difficulty programming your display, you can call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.

 

Can I use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM with any TXU Energy electric plan?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM will work with most TXU Energy electric plans. At the time of enrollment and at installation TXU Energy will verify that your plan works with the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM and if it does not, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM will not be installed and you will not be charged for the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM.

 

Can I continue to use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM after I switch to another retail electric service provider?

If you switch to another retail electric service provider but choose to continue using the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, you can do so. You will continue to receive a TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly bill until your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement is cancelled.

However you will need to reprogram your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM with the rates of your new provider. Instructions to program the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM are located in your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM User’s Guide.  If you have difficulty programming your display, you can call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #3, for technical support.

 

Can I sign up for average billing / e-bill / recurring bank draft with TXU Energy, or can I stay on these services with this product?

If you are a new TXU Energy customer, we offer many flexible billing options to help you manage your bill.  You may view these billing options on http://www.txu.com/  or I can tell you about them now. Keep in mind that if you enroll in average billing, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM estimated cost projection will not match your bill amount.

 

Installation

What is involved in installing the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM device?

You must install the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM within the first 60 calendar days after receiving the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM In-Home Monitoring Package by using a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy. The actual installation generally takes less than 30 minutes and is paid for by TXU Energy.

Does the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM have an installation fee?

TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM includes the installation at no cost to you. You must install the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM using a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy. Please contact the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number at 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, to arrange for a professional electrician to schedule the installation of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM in your home, at your earliest convenience. 

How do I schedule the installation of my TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

Please call the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, for installation.
They will help you schedule the installation of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM in your home, at your earliest convenience.

How can I reschedule the installation of my TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

To reschedule your installation, you will have to contact the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Toll Free number, 1-877-488-5349, Option #1, for installation.

Why does the electrical contactor have to request an electrical permit for the installation of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

Some cities may require an electrical permit for all TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM installations.  An electrical permit grants the contractor permission to perform the requested installation, and at the same time, serves as a mechanism to ensure that the installation complies with current local electrical codes.  After the installation is finished, the electrical contractor will be required to call for an inspection. You may be required to be present at the time of inspection.

What is the electrical permit fee?

The cost of the electrical permit will be covered by TXU Energy and varies from city to city.

What happens once an electrical permit is issued?

Once the permit has been requested, the contractor will be required to notify the city that the work is ready for inspection. A building inspector will come to your home and review the work for compliance with the city’s electrical code.

If the work does not pass the inspection, the electrical contractor will be given a list of corrections to make. Once the corrections are made, the contractor will need to call for re-inspection. After all of the necessary inspections have been made and approved, the permit will be closed.

 When/How do I schedule an inspection?

TXU Energy’s contractor will schedule the inspection for you; the contractor will let you know the time and date the inspector will come to your home.

 

Service Agreement

What are the terms of the Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement?

• Sign a 2-year (24 months) TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement.
• Pay the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM monthly fee of $4.99 (plus applicable taxes) per  month for the duration of your use of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM
• Install the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM using a preferred electrical contractor specified by TXU Energy within the first 60 calendar days after receiving the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM In-Home Monitoring Package.
• $100 Equipment Fee if applicable (see Equipment Fee questions for details).
• $120 Early Cancellation Fee if applicable (see Early Cancellation Fee question for details).

See the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement for full details.

 

What do I get when signing a TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement?

You get to use the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM equipment that can help you save up to 10% on your monthly electricity bill. Additionally, you will receive free installation of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM.  The city where you reside may require an electrical permit for the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM installation. You will also get the permit and inspection at no cost to you.

 

When will I be charged an Equipment Fee?

The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM is owned by TXU Energy.  Under certain circumstances, you may be required to return the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM In-Home Monitoring Package (the Display Unit and, if provided, the Gateway) to TXU Energy.  If you fail to do so, you may be charged an Equipment Fee of $100.  The TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices (Current Transformers and Measuring Transmitting Unit) are to remain in your circuit breaker panel and do not need to be removed or returned.

There are three cases in which you may be required to return the equipment:

• You do not have a Contractor (specified by TXU Energy) install the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices within the first 60 calendar days after You receive the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM In-HomeMonitoring Package. If you do not do so, you must return the In-Home Monitoring Package in good working condition.
• You fail to pay the TXU EnergyPower Monitor^TM Fee as agreed after it is installed.
• You or TXU Energy cancels the Agreement.  If you do not return the In-Home Monitoring Package in good working condition to TXU Energy, you will be subject to the $100 Equipment Fee.

In all cases, you must return the In-Home Monitoring Package within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the equipment return request from TXU Energy. Unless otherwise advised by TXU Energy, use the following address to return the In-Home Monitoring Package:
IMPORTANT:  Once installed, the Breaker Panel Devices (Current Transformers and Measuring Transmitting Unit) remain in your circuit breaker panel and do not need to be removed or returned. 

 

Where do I send the equipment to avoid the Equipment Fee?

Unless otherwise advised by TXU Energy, use the following address to return the In-Home Monitoring Package: 
TXU Energy Product Fulfillment
8801 Autobahn Dr, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75237

You agree to bear the delivery charge unless you use the prepaid return label included in the original In-Home Monitoring Package or unless TXU Energy terminates the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement for convenience, in which case TXU Energy will provide you with postage prepaid packaging for the return. 
IMPORTANT:  Once installed, the Breaker Panel Devices (Current Transformers and Measuring Transmitting Unit) remain in your circuit breaker panel and do not need to be removed or returned. 

 

In which cases may I be charged an Early Cancellation Fee?

In order to get a TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM, you must agree to a 24-month Power MonitorTM Service Agreement. You may be charged an Early Cancellation Fee of $120 if you cancel the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement prior to the end of the 24-month term. 

However, you have the right to cancel the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement prior to the end of the minimum term without incurring an Early Cancellation Fee if:
• You move to another location; or

TXU Energy notifies you of a material change in the terms and conditions of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement;

The contractor determines that the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Breaker Panel Devices cannot be installed at your home; or

You cancel the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement before the Breaker Panel Devices are installed.

If you cancel after  your Service Agreement ends, there is no early cancellation fee.

 

Will I own the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

No, the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM is owned by TXU Energy.

 

What happens at the end of my minimum term?

At the end of your minimum term, you may keep the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM equipment for as long as you choose even after your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement has expired and continue to pay the monthly fee of $4.99. After the end of your term, you may cancel with no early cancellation fee.

 

When will I get my TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

If you are an existing TXU Energy customer, TXU Energy will ship the In-Home Monitoring Package to you within approximately 2 to 3 weeks of enrollment.
If you are a new TXU Energy customer, TXU Energy will ship the In-Home Monitoring Package to you once your retail electric service is transferred to TXU Energy (within approximately 4 to 6 weeks of enrollment).
Once you get the package, you will be able to schedule your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM installation.

 

I am moving out of my current home, can I take my TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM with me?

If you move, you will discontinue receiving electric service from TXU Energy at your current address, your TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement will be cancelled and you will be required to return the In-Home Monitoring Package to TXU Energy. If you do not return the In-Home Monitoring Package in good working condition to TXU Energy, you will be subject to the $100 Equipment Fee.

You must return the In-Home Monitoring Package within thirty (30) business days of receiving written notification from TXU Energy requesting that you return the equipment to the address specified by TXU Energy.

If you wish to have TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM at your new address, you will need to agree to a new TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM Service Agreement at your new address and have a new TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM installed, if available in your area. You will also need to establish TXU Energy electric service at your new address.
See Equipment Fee questions for more information.

 

Do I have to be a TXU Energy customer to get the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM?

Yes, you have to be a TXU Energy customer to get the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM.

 

 

 ¹ Certain factors including the date and time the utility meter is read, the distance between the utility meter and the electric panel, and other variables will result in monthly usage totals recorded by the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM that are slightly different from those measured by your electric utility.

² Research shows that useful feedback can result in reductions in energy use of 4 to 15 percent.

³ Research over the past two decades has documented that useful feedback can result in reductions in energy use of 4 to 15 percent. Fryer Stein, Lynn. "Final Report California Information Display Pilot Technology Assessment." December 21, 2004.

⁴ Certain factors including the date and time the utility meter is read, the distance between the utility meter and the electric panel, and other variables will result in monthly usage totals recorded by the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM that are slightly different from those measured by your electric utility.

⁵ Ibid.

⁶ TXU Energy will arrange for a professional electrician to install certain parts of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM in your breaker panel. The monthly fee will be due after the breaker panel devices have been installed. TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM is an energy-efficiency device and is not part of your retail electric service plan. TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM has a minimum term of 24 months and a monthly fee of $4.99 that will be included on and due with your monthly TXU Energy bill. Additional conditions, including an early cancellation fee of $120 and/or a return equipment fee of $100, may apply.

⁷ Ibid.

⁸ Ibid.

⁹ Ibid.

¹⁰ The first month of TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM is free if you arrange for authorized installation of the breaker panel devices within 30 calendar days of receiving the In-Home Monitoring Package.

¹¹ TXU Energy will arrange for a professional electrician to install certain parts of the TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM in your breaker panel. The monthly fee will be due after the breaker panel devices have been installed. TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM an energy-efficiency device and is not part of your retail electric service plan. TXU Energy Power Monitor^TM has a minimum term of 24 months and a monthly fee of $4.99 that will be included on and due with your monthly TXU Energy bill. Additional conditions, including an early cancellation fee of $120 and/or a return equipment fee of $100, may apply. The first month of TXU Energy Monitor^TM is free if you arrange for authorized installation of the breaker panel devices within 30 calendar days of receiving the in-home monitoring package.