Can the electric company detect my usage?

I dont think the power company really gets alarmed and activly seeks out grow ops.
I think if there is reason for the cops to investigate you, they can use your 300 dollar power bill as a clue, or if the power guy comes and sees your meter spinning like a top, and you have light leaks, or smells, etc... they are obligated by law to report you. But I dont think they actively seek out cannabis growers, unless there is an ordinance or something.

ALWAYS remember to keep everything out of sight, and out of smell, always keep doors locked, and if anyone asks about your power bill just tell them you had to hook up a couple old freezers to store some deer meat or something.
If cops come to your house, meet them outside and lock all your doors behind you, be polite to them, and never let them in unless they have a warrant.
After they leave, get rid of everything, as they will be back.
If they have a warrant, say nothing to them, let them arrest you, and get a good lawyer.
One of the best things to buy is a few growroom and front door cameras just incase the police come, they do so many illeagle things when they raid places that if you get it all on video, your lawyer can usually get things dismissed from your case.

IT works more like this honestly.

All your neighbors bills are like $100-$300 just dependin on how u set ur ac, gas vs. electric dryer etc. and then u have 10x 1k hps and ur bill is like $800-$1000 a month then you only pay like every 2 or 3 months in cash.

Or worse yet, ur house is lite up like an xmas tree, meter reader dude comes by and ur kwh usage is like 500-600 for the whole month vs. the neighborhood average of say 2200-3000ish depending on house size, weather and such. I.E. ur stealing power or something else.

Just be reasonable and smart, the power company if you pay ur bill on time really doesn't care much how much you use within logical reason as you are generating revenue for them!

During the peak hours of the day, when the sun is shining brightly and your power use is low, if you happen to create excess power by the solar system on your roof, the power will flow into the grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backwards gaining you a credit with the utility company. Net metering legislation states that the utility company must credit you at retail rates (the same rate they would have charged you).

Read more: How to Set up a House for Solar Power (basic) | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2312666_up-h...#ixzz21W3kTA6Y

if your really worried about getting your electricity up then why not switch to leds they are energy efficient and dont give off much heat either

First, police can not obtain a warrant due to electric over usage. Second if for some reason you were singled out by the elec company out of their millions of customers for a little overage sue their ass.

Pay your bill and they wont bother you.. They want your money that is all.