Watt meter (Courtesy: City of Austin website)

The first phase of the Urban Rail line would begin near Dell …

The city promised "quiet zones" for neighbors who live …

There's been plenty of response since word first leaked that a …

A new Whole Foods store is just the latest addition to the city…

A longtime University of Texas campus favorite is moving out. …

Residents can monitor 'phantom power'

Watt meters can be rented for three weeks

Updated: Monday, 20 Feb 2012, 1:57 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 13 Oct 2011, 11:25 AM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) - There's a new quick-and-easy way to test just how much energy your home is using.

The devices measure how much electricity appliances and other plug-ins draw from the grid.

They can be especially useful in tracking "phantom power," from appliances that are turned off but are still draining energy.

Central Texans can check out the watt meters for three weeks at a time starting Saturday.