As an economist I like to think I make rational economic decisions to maximise my utility, so I would turn off a light as I left the room to reduce my electric bill (motivated by self interest), and maybe I can feel a little smug at also saving the planet. But can I make a difference? I don't even know how much our electricity bills are or even if we have a "green" supplier. I don't know how much electicity my family consumes and I don't know how to measure that consumption.

 But all of that is about to change as I eagerly await delivery of a thingy that will answer all my questions. Me and my family as "guinea pigs" will test out a smart meter over the next few months and post the results to wattwatt.

 Watch this space ....