CA2564412A1 - Electronic device for providing visual indication of variable utility rates - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable electronic timing device has a size selected approximately the size of a standard electric switch cover plate or smaller. The device uses a combination digital clock/thermostat and a display to provide a conservation message and/or audible cue to notify the household consumers of changes in electricity and utility rates over on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak periods.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROVIDING VISUAL INDICATION OF VARIABLE
UTILITY RATES

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic devices for providing consumers with a visual indication or variable utility rates and providing utility conservation messaging. More particularly, the invention relates to either a permanent or portable device for executing a stored program and emitting a signal indicative of relative changes in utility billing rate from instructions stored in a permanent, replaceable and/or a reprogrammable memory.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Governments worldwide have set aggressive targets for the reduction of energy and water demands to establish a culture of conservation amongst consumers, large industrial users of electricity and other utilities typically negotiate supply contracts which provide for reduced costs during off-peak hour periods, such as evenings and/or weekends. To minimize manufacturing costs, it has furthermore been proposed to automate industrial machinery to maximize heavy power usage and production during such reduced billing hours.

Heretofore, there has not been provided an inexpensive and easily installed apparatus which enable individual household consumers to understand time differentiated electricity prices, so that consumers can begin to modify their utility usage behavior, so as to avail themselves of reduced utility billing rates during off-peak billing hours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Consumer education and behaviour modification are critical components to achieving electricity conservation. An initial step towards achieving the goal of a conservative culture is to make consumers aware of different electricity prices depending upon which times and days electricity consumption actually occurs. This is a fundamental premise and guiding principle of Time Of Use ("TOU") pricing which is an integral underlying component of the policy of applying a variable billing rate for utilities such as electricity, to encourage conservation in high cost or peak energy use times.

The concept of electricity conservation is still in its early stages. With respect to residential consumers in particular, very few homeowners really understand the concepts of Time of Use rates, the notion of system peak, and the pricing implications of on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak periods.

Accordingly, there has been a need in the art for a device which can access pre-programmed or variable computer programming instructions which are time dependent on either internally or externally stored criteria, and which is adapted to output a signal indicative of a particular utility billing rate, at a particular time.

There has also been a need in the art for an alternative electronic device which can access stored or input data and/or program instructions, in either a permanent memory source, or a replaceable memory source that can be easily connected and disconnected to the device.

There has also been a need for an inexpensive device which can be easily installed and/or set up by the individual user and which stores a clock signal, data and instructions relating to utility billing rates and/or TOU pricing from a program, and which includes a permanent, reprogrammable or replaceable memory which can be customized and transferred into the device.

It is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome some disadvantages of the prior art by providing a portable electronic device having a memory which contains program instructions relating to an internal clock, and one or more predetermined time dependent utility billing rates. Most preferably the device further includes an output for providing a visual and/or audible signal to a user indicative of a predetermined billing rate, or a change in billing rate at a particular time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which is operable to advance the goal of energy conservation through consumer awareness and education and behaviour modification by the presentation of simple, readily understood, continually reinforced messages aimed at reducing electricity or other utility consumption at peak periods.

Another aspect is to provide a simplified device which enables a consumer to recognize a current price for a utility at a given time, and which may be activated and/or installed by the user without requiring specialized tools, or the use of specialized trade persons, such as electricians or technicians.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device operable to instantly provide residential, household consumers with information on TOU periods and their corresponding electricity pricing information, in a simple, clearly understandable way to empower them to make conservation decisions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stand alone device operable to provide consistent, daily utility price signals to householders in order to effect a change in consumption habits, and which is independent of operating utility meters.

To at least partially achieve at least one of these objects, in one embodiment, the invention resides in an electronic device for storing and outputting information, and which comprises: a display for displaying at least one screen or visual indication representing a time of use (TOU) price period for electricity, water, gas or other utilities. The device may further include a memory which may be permanently housed with the device, or more preferably, which is either replaceable or reprogrammable. The memory is used to store data such as TOU utility billing rates, data and/or criteria information and optionally conservation messages and which may be periodically updated depending, as for example, on overall capacity, usage and/or the season. Most preferably, the device includes an internal clock or clock program as well as a processor to provide a real-time indicator of electricity or other relative utility prices during the time of their consumption. In a simplified operation, the device provides the householder with direct information representative of electricity pricing by immediately, and simply, informing consumers about when different TOU periods begin and end and the relative pricing implications of each. It is to be appreciated that information will empower consumers to take action to reduce their consumption and save money.

Optionally, the device may include one or more switches, allowing a user to pre-select billing rate criteria for different utilities such as water, gas, or telecommunications in addition to electricity. Where present, activation of a first switch of the first set causes the device to display a first screen array indicative of a first selected utility rate; and wherein activation of a second switch causes the device to select an alternate category and display information corresponding to an alternate utility. Optionally, the device may be provided with a digital and/or conventional thermometer, or in an alternate construction incorporated into a programmable thermostat.

In a simplified construction, the electronic device is sufficiently small so as to be portable and typically have a casing with length and width dimensions selected at less than 10 cm x 10 cm.
The casing may optimally include mechanical fasteners, magnetic, touch fasteners, or other such adhesive backing, allowing one or more devices to be prominently placed in high traffic areas in a house or business, as well as in a laundry room, computer room, kitchen or in other areas immediately adjacent to large energy consuming appliances.

In another aspect, the invention resides in a portable electronic device for intermittently executing instructions of a stored program having regard to the passage of time, said device comprising: a display, memory means, internal clock program processing means for executing a clock program, or a microprocessor/chip for storing and retrieving data and instructions from the stored program in response to a signal from said clock program, said memory means comprising memory locations identified by addresses; output means for generating and sending output signals to the microprocessor/chip upon the passage of a predetermined period of time; and a body case for containing the microprocessor/chip, output means, display and memory means.

In another aspect, the body case comprises a socket for releasably connecting the memory means as a replaceable preprogrammed memory device to the body case to selectively electrically couple the releasable memory device to the microprocessor/chip;
wherein upon activation of the device, with the memory device connected in the socket, the microprocessor commences execution of the program stored in the memory device. Memory devices such as smart cards, flash drives, pre-recorded chips or the like may be periodically supplied and/or updated by utility companies of third parties to reflect any changes in billing rates or billing policies.

In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a portable electronic timing device having a size selected approximately the size of a standard electric switch cover plate or smaller.
The device uses a combination digital clock/thermostat and shifting light pattern with conservation message and/or audible cue to notify the household consumers of changes in utility billing rates over on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak periods. In a simplified construction featured above the clock/thermostat is a high intensity colour LED or LCD display panel which is operable to output a variable display depending on the utility billing rate at any predetermined time. By way of example the resulting colour gradient shifts from a deep green to yellow to bright red as TOU periods change from off-peak to mid-peak to on-peak periods.
The TOU
period may contain their own conservation messages such as:

= Off-peak - Green - "Conserve Wisely" message;

= Mid-peak - Yellow - "Reduce Consumption" message; and = On-peak - Red - "Switch Off & Save" message.

The housing or casing of the device is provided such that a first program stored on memory within the device operates the device as a clock, either with or without a clock display, and, a second program stored on the memory provides an output signal indicative of an increase or decrease in the rate charged for electricity to effect behavioral modification of an energy user.

Optionally, a "low, medium, high" utility price indicator scale may be provided as visual indicia on the front panel of the device, or as part of a swing or pull-out panel. The scale may be permanent or replaceable and provide a more direct correlation to the actual dollar purchase price of utilities for any preset or predetermined period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the invention become apparent upon reading the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of an electronic utility rate indicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows schematically the utility rate indicator device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view an electronic utility rate indicator device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and which includes a replaceable memory plug-in module;

Figure 4 shows a block diagram illustrating the replaceable memory plug-in module photovoltaic panel, permanent memory and microprocessor used in the device of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a flow chart illustrating execution of one group of instructions of a utility billing rate program according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 6a and 6b illustrate perspective views of a utility rate indicator device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference may be had to Figures 1 and 2 which show a portable utility rate indicator 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The indicator 10 is formed so as to be deliverable to a consumer through the mail for self-activation, without requiring special tools or technical skills. The indicator 10 shown is disposable after a predetermined lifespan, typically of between 12 and 24 months. In this regard, the indicator includes a sealed casing or housing 12 in which, as shown in Figure 2, is disposed a fuel cell or battery 20, microcontroller or processing chip 24 and memory 28. In a most economical embodiment the data relating to electricity rates and instructions is pre-stored in the memory 28 as a non-volatile read-only memory. The clock program and instructions are preferably provided in the microcontroller 24 as an ASIC chip.

In the front panel surface 30 of the housing 12 there are provided so as to be visible to a user an electronic clock display 32 and an array of indicator lights 34. In a simplified construction, the array 34 consists of a number of different coloured high intensity LED or LCD
lights 36a, 36b, 36c. The lights 36a, 36b, 36c are configured for individual timed operation by the microcontroller chip 24 to provide a visual indication (ie. least expensive (off-peak)/more expensive (mid-peak)/most expensive (on-peak) of the real-time or TOU billing rate level for hydroelectricity at the particular time of day reflected in the clock display 32. Optimally, the microcontroller/chip 24 may provide signals Sl, S2, S3 to change the colour/or intensity of the LCD lights 36a, 36b, 36c, stored in the memory 28 depending on the time of day and the TOU
billing rate instructions.

The clock display 32 may be preset by factory reprogramming the chip 24 and memory 28 together with the applicable billing data for each specific utility.
Alternately, clock programming keys (not shown) may be provided on the exterior of the housing 12 to allow for manual setting of the clock 32. Most preferably, the memory 28 is provided with instructions to automatically adjust the clock 32 for Daylight Savings time.

Figure 1 shows a magnetic strip 40 as furthermore being secured along the back of the housing 12. The magnetic strip 40 enables the indictor 10 to be temporarily mounted either directly on or adjacent to major household appliances such as computers, dishwashers, washers, ranges, electrical board heaters and/or dryers. The applicant has appreciated that this flexibility of placement, advantageously ensures that the householder is provided with a direct real-time indication of the TOU and current hydroelectricity cost, immediately at the time he or she is about to activate the major appliances. Furthermore, the disposable and low cost nature of the indicator 10 advantageously makes it economical to include multiple indicators 10 in each home and/or businesses, on or next to each key power-using appliance. The real-time indication of power rates to users may therefore act as a behavioural modification tool, as a means of fostering consumer change and conservation.

Reference may be had to Figures 3 and 4 which show an indicator 10 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. As with the embodiment of Figure 1, the indicator 10 of Figure 3 provides for simplified delivery, installation and set up by the user, without requiring specialized installation, or trades people. Figure 3 shows schematically the electronic device 10 for providing a visual indication of TOU electricity billing rates according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As with the device 10 shown in Figure 1, the device 10 includes a fuel cell or battery power source 20 and a microprocessor chip 24 which is operable to process program instructions. The battery power source 20 preferably is a rechargeable Ni or Li based energy cell, which is electrically connected to a photovoltaic cell or pane150 for prolonged operational life. The microprocessor 24 may be an ASIC chip permanently housed containing a body 12 of the device 10.

The utility indicator 10 further includes both a permanently housed clock memory 28 and a removable flash memory card or chip 54. The replaceable memory chip 54 contains data and execution instructions relating to the applicable TOU billing rate for electricity, having regard to the time of day, the week day and optionally, the month or calendar date.

In the construction of Figure 1, the electronic device 10 is provided as a disposable item which is adapted to be replaced periodically and/or seasonally as utility rates may change. In contrast, the construction of the device 10 shown in Figure 3 is provided with a replaceable smart card or memory chip 54 on which is stored utility billing rate data and instructions allowing the TOU dates to be periodically updated by the user. In a most preferred embodiment, the memory chip 54 is electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) which can be plugged into a socket 56 formed in the housing 12 for the device 10.
When plugged-in, the chip 54 is electronically coupled to the chip 24 so as to be readable thereby and preferably automatically initiates the indicator 10 in operation. In a simplified embodiment, the clock memory 28 preferably consists of a non-volatile read-only memory (ROM) provided in permanent memory 28 stored within the housing 12.

The stored data on the chip 54, and the clock memory 28, both comprise memory locations which are identified by unique addresses, as are known in the art, and can store and retrieve data and computer programming instructions. The clock program is stored in the non-volatile ROM memory 28 so as to be retained when the device 10 is not activated and includes instructions related to the calendar day and year, as well as any applicable time shifts between daylight savings and standard times. Instructions of a stored data program are stored on the replaceable memory chip 54. The clock program operates independently of the stored data program, allowing replaceable memory chip 54 to be removed, replaced or reconnected to the device 10.

When the stored memory chip 54 is electrically coupled to the microprocessor 24, the processor 24 inputs a first group of instructions relating to the pricing of electricity and/or other preselected billing rates from the stored memory 54. Preferably, the first group of instructions is transferred to a volatile memory of the stored clock memory 28. Optionally, the clock program be separated into several groups of instructions which for example, may include next instructions which direct the processor 24 as to which instructions to execute next. The "next instructions can instruct the processor 24 to execute instructions from the clock program stored in the memory 28, or to transfer other groups of instructions of the rate program from the stored memory on the chip 54 to the clock memory 28 and/or to execute those additional groups of instructions.

By way of example, the rate program may be designed to effect a change in images on the display array 34 to indicate to the consumer either real-time increase or decrease in electricity billing rates. This will enable the user to either activate or deactivate household lights and appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and the like until the most economical electricity rate may be achieved. In this case, the first group of instructions can display the first image indicative of a first "on-peak" billing rate. The next instructions can instruct the processor 24 to transfer another group of instructions from the stored memory of the chip 54 and display a second image indicative of second predetermined "mid-peak" billing rate either upon the occurrence of a predetermined time or signal from the clock program, or after the first "on-peak"
image has been displayed for a predetermined period to time. On one or more further next instructions may also be provided to provide an image of a third "off-peak"
billing rate, indicative of a most economical billing period.

In addition, "next instructions" can be conditional, in that the processor 24 will execute different instructions depending on satisfaction of a condition, such as activation of one or more activation buttons (not shown). For example, an activation button may be used to allow the consumer to switch displays to indicate temperature from an internal thermometer, or to provide indications of billing/change rates for different utilities, such as water, gas, telephone or communication billing rates. To accomplish this, in one embodiment, the device 10 may be provided with a suitable jump table consisting of conditions and a corresponding number of variable addresses, such that each condition is associated with a counterpart variable address.

In one operation, when the chip 54 is inserted, the processor 24 will automatically go to the memory location in the stored memory on the chip 54 identified by the first group of instructions (typically time instructions) from the rate program. The processor 24 then sequentially transfers the data starting at the memory location into the RAM
and executes the instructions with another group of instructions of the clock program to reflect the output signal.
The non-volatile clock memory in the permanent ROM 28 stores the instructions of the clock program so that the instructions are retained during a power off condition.

The device 10 further may include a scale 60 (Figure ) which provides a visual indication of the dollar value of the purchased utility. The scale 60 may be provided as an adhesive sticker applied to the front or side of the housing 12. Most preferably, the device 10 may be provided with a swing out or sliding panel 62 used for mounting the scale 60 in proximity to the display 34.

The scale 60 and visual representation provided by the device 10 are designed for residential customers. The device 10 is portable and easy to move around and simple to work with. All the consumer has to do is view the scale 60 colour and message contained in the LCD
lights 36a, 36b, 36c and they will immediately understand within what TOU
period they currently consume electricity and what action they are being asked to take.
The daily reminders linked to the clock display 32 should, over time, generate awareness between the time period associated with the consumption and the relative electricity price being charged. As a result it is envisioned that it will become an automatic signal to conserve in particular time periods regardless of whether the device 10 is actually viewed at that moment or not.

Optionally, the device 10 may also include a user-activatable input (not shown) which sends input signals I,, upon activation by the user.

Figure 5 shows a flow chart for executing a first group of instructions of the rate program. As shown in Figure 5, instructions of the rate program are transferred from a first address in the chip 54 upon its insertion in the indicator 10 to start the progress cycle.
Thereafter, upon either a predetermined passage of time (is Time Xl?) or on next instructions from the stored memory to the processor 24. Instruction signals following a timed event (is Time X2 or X3?) are sent by the processor 24 to the array 34.

In a preferred embodiment, signals S1a, S1b, S2a, S2b are received by the microprocessor 24 which controls the array 34 display. The controller 24 is also connected to the clock memory 28 which measures the passage of time. The clock display 32 is connected to the controller 24 to optimally display the time and date. Once a signal representative of a first group of instructions have been transferred from the volatile memory, to the processor 24, the data, (X) is checked to determine how the first group of instructions should be executed. It is understood that any kind of switches could also be included. Activation by the stored program data, may generate a signal which can cause the device 10 to display different screens. It is also understood that the second set of switches can generate a value signal indicating an increase or decrease in different utility billing changes. As well, different programs can be tailored for changes in base utility rates, seasons or even the type of utility.

The output display array 34 and liquid crystal display (LCD) lights 36a, 36b, 36c are driven by COMS and segments signals from microprocessor 24. In a know manner, the LCD
lights 36a, 36b, 36c receive output signals SI, S2, S3 from the microprocessor 24 which emits electronic signals in response to input signals from the clock program and stored data program.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device 10 may include serial port which allows for the reprogramming of the memory 28 either wirelessly or via wired transfer from a host computer (not shown). Wherein real-time billing rate information is to be provided to the chip 24 by either wired or wireless connection, the array 34 may be arranged in a bar-graph form to provide a visual correlation to utility pricing as well as received signal strength.

Although the detailed description describes and illustrates the utility rate indicator 10 as being used to provide TOU billing rate indicators for electricity, the invention is not so limited.
The indicator 10 is equally suitable for use in indicating billing rates for other utilities, including without restriction cellular or land-line telephone charges, water and/or sewage rates, or natural gas or heating oil fuel rates.

Although Figure 1 illustrates the indicator 10 as having a light array 34 which consists of three different coloured LCD lights 36, the invention is not so limited. Other displays including without restriction LED lights may also be used. If desired the indicator 10 may be provided with greater or fewer number of lights 32 where, for example, more or less than three preselected utility billing rates are to be used.

Reference may now be had to Figures 6a and 6b which illustrate a utility rate indicator device 10 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. The utility rate indicator 10 of Figures 6a and 6b is adapted for permanent installation for use with a replaceable memory chip or smart card (shown in phantom 54) in a similar manner as the utility rate indicator 10 described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the utility rate indicator 10 further includes an internally housed rechargeable internal power source 20 as well as a microprocessor chip 24 and internal clock memory 28 which for example, are operable in the manner previously described. In addition to the LCD lights 36 which provide separate coloured light indications which are representative of the peak, mid-priced and low billing rates for electricity, the device can furthermore include an LCD display pane160. The display pane160 preferably is configured to display not only an output clock display 32, but also a calendar month and date and/or one or more of text and/or graphic messages 64. The display panel 60 may be configured to periodically or sequentially display the clock output as well as the temperature and/or the actual price of electricity at a particular time. The text and/or graphic messages 64 may include visual reminders to conserve electricity to provide to the consumer/user with secondary reinforcement messages to the LCD light array 34. In addition, the text and/or graphic message 64 may also provide the consumer/user with a timed countdown or advance warning indicator advising of an impending change in utility rate billing. For example, the text message 64 may operate in conjunction with the internal clock 28 and an internal calendar stored in the clock memory 28 to provide advance warning to consumers to start or complete washing cycles or other large appliance operations, to allow for their operational cycles to complete prior to scheduled increases in billing changes.

Optionally, the indicator 10 may be provided with a speaker to provide an audible indication of either a billing rate change or a temperature change linked with a conservation message displayed on the panel 60, to reinforce a conservation behaviour to the consumer.

The display panel 60 may furthermore be used to provide a graphic/text display 64 of advertisements or sponsorship information downloaded from the replaceable memory chip or smart card 54. In a most economical mode of operation, memory chips or smart cards 54 may be periodically supplied by an appropriate sponsor, such as a retailer through the mail or with household flyers. In return for sponsorship, the memory chip or smart card 54 may be pre-programmed to activate the utility rate indicator 10 to display not only updated billing rates, but also graphic messages 64 timed advertisements scheduled over a particular time and/or date.
Advertisements displayed on the display panel 60 may be determined by the stored clock memory 28 and the smart card programming. By way of non-limiting example, stored advertisements preferably could relate also to seasonally selected advertisements for products used in energy conservation, such as specials on energy efficient light bulbs, furnace filters or the like, over pre-selected times and/or periods.

By changing colours and providing visual and/or audible cues associated with the different TOU periods, homeowners are continually reminded about different price levels at different time periods. Given the clock and an optional thermostat feature and the recommended locations for the indicator 10 (on the refrigerator, above the stove on the exhaust hood, near the light switch to a main area of the house), the device 10 is operable to provide continual, sustained consumer exposure.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the device 10 is a portable electronic device adapted for simplified attachment to a wall or an appliance by means of the magnet. In an alternate construction double sided adhesive tape or mechanical fasteners could also be used. For enhanced portability, the device body 12 is preferably comparatively small having a length and width selected at less than about 20 cm by 20 cm, and preferable less than about 10 cm by 10 cm. Alternately, the device 10 could be incorporated into another appliance and/or devices, such as the electronic thermostat controls, or the electronic controls for dishwashers, washers and/or dryers.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrates the device body 12 as including a socket 56 for receiving a flash memory chip 54, the invention is not so limited.
Other mechanisms for releasably connecting stored data memory carrier as a replaceable memory devices may also be used. These include without restriction smart card and magnetic strip readers configured to electrically couple other replaceable memory carriers to the microprocessor 24 shown in Figure 4. It is to be appreciated that replaceable date memory is may be electrically coupled to the microprocessor 24 to transfer data and/or instructions for a variety of different types of utilities to the device 10.

Although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features or embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention describes the utility rate indicator 10 as displaying changes in electricity billing rates over a typical 24-hour period, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the utility rate indicator 10 could equally be used to display conservation messages and/or changes in other utility billing rates, such as water, telephone, natural gas and/or heating oil over daily, weekly, or even monthly periods, depending upon the internal calendar stored in the clock program 28.

Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, mechanical or electrical equivalents of a the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein. For a definition of the invention reference may be had to the appended claims.

Claims (3)

1. I CLAIM:
   
   A portable electronic device for intermittently executing instructions of a stored program having regard to the passage of time, said device comprising:
   
   a display;
   memory means;
   internal clock program processing means for executing a clock program;
   a microprocessor/chip for storing and retrieving data and instructions from the stored program in response to a signal from said clock program;
   said memory means comprising memory locations identified by addresses;
   output means for generating and sending output signals to the microprocessor/chip upon the passage of a predetermined period of time; and a body case for containing the microprocessor/chip, output means, display and memory means.
2. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1 further includes, a socket for releasably connecting the memory means as a replaceable preprogrammed memory device to the body case to selectively electrically couple the releasable memory device to the microprocessor/chip;
   wherein upon activation of the device, with the memory device connected in the socket, the microprocessor commences execution of the program stored in the memory device.
3. 3. A portable electronic timing device having a size selected approximately the size of a standard electric switch cover plate or smaller, device including in combination a digital clock/thermostat and operable to emit shifting light pattern with conservation message and/or audible cue to notify the household consumers of changes in utility billing rates over on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak periods.