a method and system for monitoring usage of a utility at a remote location by a central station and incorporates a real time method for optimizing energy costs operationally by combining optimization algorithms and real time pricing data to lower costs to the energy user . the system includes a meter reading module for determining an amount of usage at the remote location and generating a data signal indicative of the determined amount of usage and a personal computer located at the remote location and connected to the meter reading module . the pc is connectable to the internet for receiving and storing the data signal from the meter reading module for transmission to a processor located at the central location via the internet . the meter reading module is connected to one of an electrical , gas or water meter . the processor determines an amount of usage of the utility based upon the data signal . the meter reading module is connected to the pc via one of a hardwired connection , x - 10 technology or sent over existing telephone lines . the processor is able to generate a bill based upon a determined amount of usage and transmit the bill to the pc in the form of one of an e - mail message , internet browser or other internet related technologies . payment of the bill by the pc at the remote location is performed automatically over the internet via online banking protocols or other internet related payment technologies .