Hi buickanddeere,
Try and look at this as a wake up call.
OK an unwanted wake up call. Getting up at 3 am to run the dryer isn't that bad is it? OK an unwanted wake up call while you're doing the laundry.
I'll bet a timer on the water heater would pay for it's self in six months and the power company would no long know when anyone showered. A pool pump without a timer is just money in the bank for the power company. We're out in the sticks so natural gas just isn't an option and LP IS NOT price competitive here on the island.
We know that if you slow the meter down at peak pricing that you'll be net even or approaching it. Here, in Hawaii, if you over produce for the billing period its just tough solar panels. No month to month slide or cash back program. Hence sizing the program to about 2/3s monthly use is the prudent approach.
We're not on the "smart" meters yet but when we go net meter in October or November we will get a new meter that can run backwards but probably not "smart" enabled.
Casey