Thanks for the explanation Tony, good info. I too am paranoid of the power company becoming suspicious.

I liked your example of the 600w, because that would be my choice of lighting, but on an 18/6 schedule for veg. I think I'm paying .17 KWH.
600w x 18 / 1000 = 10.80 x .17 = 1.84(day cost) x 30(month) = $55.08

With my powerbill that can average anywhere from 70-110$ a month depending on usuage, another 55$ monthly I would assume would be a red flag because thats a 50% increase.