Patent ID: 7486782

Claim:
A method for detecting power problems with a utility provider distribution system using a multifunction data port, the multifunction data port comprising a plurality of interfaces for connecting to a utility user's premises and a communication network, the method comprising: a) installing the multifunction data port at the utility user's premises, the utility user's premises are connected to utility user's electric power lines and to the Internet, the multifunction data port comprising an embedded computer, a network interface, and a house interface; b) configuring the computer to provide communication interface between the communication network and devices located within the utility user's premises; b) using the computer for continuously obtaining power measurements including Voltage and current data on the utility user's electric power lines in real time; c) storing the obtained power measurements in the computer; d) using the computer to calculate the harmonic distortion data in the power line using fast Fourier analysis; e) transmitting the calculated data from the computer to the utility provider via network interface; f) based on the calculated data, determining whether the utility user is responsible for creating excessive electrical noise; g) charging the user higher fees when it is determined that the utility user is responsible for creating the excessive electrical noise.