A utility management device, comprising an input for receiving a utility consumption signal for a premises, an output for outputting utility management information, and a processor configured to monitor the input utility consumption signal for a change in magnitude. If a change is detected, the processor is configured to identify an appliance event corresponding to the change, obtain information relating to the projected utility consumption of the appliance for an upcoming time period, update a projected utility consumption of the premises based on the obtained information, determine whether any projected stored and/or generated utility amount at the premises is sufficient for the projected utility consumption of the premises, and, if not sufficient, cause the device to output a request to receive a utility amount from one or more other premises connected to the premises via a communication network.