As the result of a collaboration between Ameren Illinois Utilities and the Alliance Library System, Illinois Prairie District Public Library has received a Watt Reader to be made available for checkout to our patrons.  The WATT Solution kits which Ameren donated to the downstate libraries include a Kill A Watt EZ power meter.  This device can be used to accurately measure how much electricity it takes to operate a variety of household appliances and then calculate the actual and projected cost of the electricity used.  You can also learn how much it costs to leave appliances and devices on, such as computers, printers and modems.  Or how much Phantom electricity they use when they are off, but still plugged in.