Redox,

I totally agree that experimentation is the way to go here. And also agree that usage year over year is rarely the same.  Take my case for example, my daughter is in those teen years with the showers, hair dryers and multiple loads of laundry.  So for me this year might even e higher than previous years. 

But to get back to your point, I agree experimentation is the best means to determine if the system works as expected.

Erik

A simple solution to save money is to insulate your attic. Attic insulation gives you the most bang for your buck over ANYTHING you could ever buy or build. No snake oil involved just good old cellulose insulation. You can do it yourself for next to nothing.
Mike

Here’s something from Wikipedia: “Reactive power flow

In power transmission and distribution, significant effort is made to control the reactive power flow. This is typically done automatically by switching inductors or capacitor banks in and out, by adjusting generator excitation, and by other means. Electricity retailers may use electricity meters which measure reactive power to financially penalise customers with low power factor loads. This is particularly relevant to customers operating highly inductive loads such as motors at water pumping stations.”

Now the only way I can see this could affect a reduction in (real) power usage for a normally inductive load is if the “Electric retailer had some way to make the electric power meter respond to penalize an inductive load, which would/could be reduced by a capacitive corrective device.  I look forward to future reports by the “testers” along with some numbers, measured numbers.

I have the lab open.  Anyone want to loan me one?  24 hours and I’ll send it right back…

Chris