| 摘要 |
<p>A base resource usage profile 34 and a surpassed resource usage profile 36 are determined for selected time periods, with the surpassed resource usage profile being an increased value over the base resource usage profile which varies with time. The utility resource(s) are monitored and first and second distinct alert signals are provided when usage reaches or goes beyond the respective profiles. The level of the surpassed resource usage profile is such that the second alert is not initiated when the utility usage exceeds normal or base usage by only a small amount or for a short period of time. A historical view of resource usage is also provided to identify alerted events and thus users are provided with the facility to simplify their utility consumption management in a straightforward way and thus take more responsibility for resource usage.</p> |
