I recently decided to integrate my TED5000 energy monitor with my Vera Lite system running UI7. After some research, I decided to give the TED5000 plugin a try, hoping it would help me keep track of my energy usage more effectively.
Initial Setup and Challenges
The installation process was straightforward—simply downloading and installing the plugin from the Vera store. The plugin automatically detected my TED5000 unit, which was a nice touch. However, I ran into a couple of issues right away:
- No Energy Readings: Despite the plugin detecting my TED5000, I wasn’t seeing any energy data.
- Connection Error: There was a persistent error message stating that it couldn’t connect to the TED5000.
I quickly realized that my TED5000 was password protected, and the plugin didn’t have an option to enter credentials. After some digging, I found that there was a workaround involving manually editing the plugin settings to include the password. Once I did that, the connection issues were resolved!
Configuring Notifications
One of my main goals was to set up notifications to alert me when energy usage exceeded certain thresholds. This feature is crucial for me, as my electricity rates in Oahu, Hawaii, are among the highest in the nation—at 26.3 cents per kWh! Without real-time alerts, it’s easy to overlook high usage until the bill arrives.
I configured the plugin to send email and SMS notifications when daily, weekly, or cumulative energy usage crosses predefined limits. Now, my phone literally “screams” at me to turn off unnecessary lights or appliances, which has already helped me reduce my energy consumption.
Tips for Others
If you’re considering integrating your TED5000 with Vera, here are a few tips:
- Check for Password Protection: If your TED5000 is password protected, you’ll need to manually add the credentials to the plugin settings.
- Test Notifications: After setting up alerts, test them to ensure they’re working as expected.
- Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your energy usage trends to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Overall, the TED5000 plugin has been a game-changer for me. It’s transformed my energy monitoring from a passive activity into an active tool for saving money and reducing waste. I’m thrilled with the results and highly recommend this setup to anyone looking to take control of their energy usage!
Happy automating! 
