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OpenClaw Cost Optimizer
by
Jeff J Hunter
· GitHub ↗
· v1.1.0
1316
Downloads
11
Stars
3
Active Installs
3
Versions
Install in OpenClaw
/install openclaw-cost-optimizer
Description
Add cheap model aliases to your OpenRouter setup for tasks from simple to complex, cutting API costs 50-90% without changing your default model.
Usage Guidance
This skill appears to do what it says: add model aliases via the OpenClaw CLI and log savings in ~/.openclaw/cost-tracker.md. Before installing: 1) Verify the openclaw binary on your system is from a trusted source; the skill relies on that CLI to change your model aliases. 2) Keep your OPENROUTER_API_KEY limited in scope if possible; the skill will use it to configure models. 3) When the agent presents exec approvals, inspect the exact commands it will run before approving — the SKILL.md enforces that the agent run commands automatically. 4) Back up your existing OpenClaw/OpenRouter configuration so you can revert if needed. 5) If you want extra caution, test the process in a non-production/staging environment first. The skill's strict verbatim prompts and exec-first behavior are unusual but not inherently malicious; they just increase the need for the user to review each automated action.
Capability Analysis
Type: OpenClaw Skill
Name: openclaw-cost-optimizer
Version: 1.1.0
The OpenClaw Cost Optimizer skill is classified as benign. All operations are performed using the `openclaw` CLI tool, which is the intended method for OpenClaw skills to interact with the system. The `SKILL.md` explicitly instructs the AI agent to use the `exec` tool for all commands and never to tell the user to run commands directly, which is a strong security practice. File system interactions are limited to creating and appending to `~/.openclaw/cost-tracker.md`, aligning with the stated purpose of tracking savings. There is no evidence of data exfiltration, unauthorized remote execution, persistence mechanisms, or malicious prompt injection attempts designed to subvert the agent for harmful purposes. The external links are for the author's website and related projects, not suspicious C2 or data exfiltration endpoints.
Capability Assessment
Purpose & Capability
Name/description match the declared requirements: the skill manipulates OpenClaw/OpenRouter model aliases, so requiring the openclaw binary and OPENROUTER_API_KEY is coherent. No unrelated service credentials or unusual binaries are requested.
Instruction Scope
SKILL.md is prescriptive: it insists on exact verbatim prompts, instructs the agent to run all setup via the exec tool, and says it will create ~/.openclaw/cost-tracker.md. This is consistent with an automation skill, but the exact-text requirements and insistence on agent-run execs mean users should review every exec approval carefully.
Install Mechanism
Instruction-only skill with no install spec or downloads. Nothing is written to disk by an installer; the only persistent artifact is the tracking file the skill creates under ~/.openclaw, which is declared in metadata.
Credentials
Only OPENROUTER_API_KEY is required (declared). That credential is necessary to configure models through OpenRouter/OpenClaw; no additional unrelated secrets or config paths are requested.
Persistence & Privilege
The skill will create ~/.openclaw/cost-tracker.md to log activity and relies on exec to run commands. always:false and normal autonomous invocation are used. This level of persistence and autonomous command-execution is reasonable for a setup/automation skill but increases the importance of reviewing each exec approval.
How to Use
- Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
- Run the install command in chat:
/install openclaw-cost-optimizer - After installation, invoke the skill by name or use
/openclaw-cost-optimizer - Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
Version History
v1.1.0
Cut your OpenRouter API costs 50-90%. Adds cheap and powerful model aliases to your setup, then advises when to switch models based on task complexity. 8 presets, 29 models, zero config risk — only adds aliases, never changes your default. 3 clicks to set up. Built by Jeff J Hunter.
Changelog
v1.1.0 — Cost Tracker, Mix & Match, Monthly Calculator
💸 Cost Tracker: agent logs model switches, "how much have I saved?" shows running total with monthly projection
🔀 Mix & Match: build custom presets by picking one model per tier from the full 29-model registry
📊 Monthly Cost Calculator: "estimate my monthly costs" compares default vs. optimized spending
Author branding and links added
Security fix from v1.0.1 included
v1.0.1 — Security Fix
Removed insecure fallback that accepted API keys via chat
Agent now always uses OpenClaw's native auth wizard (openclaw models auth add)
Added OPENROUTER_API_KEY to required env in metadata
v1.0.0 — Initial Release
8 presets: balanced, code-machine, claude-diehards, big-context, openai-focused, tool-master, ultra-budget, free-tier
29 verified OpenRouter models with aliases, pricing, and strengths
Smart Cost Advisor suggests model switches based on task complexity
Additive only — never changes default model, fallbacks, or existing config
Uses OpenClaw's native openclaw models aliases add — no custom scripts
Setup: 3 Approve clicks, zero terminal usage
Advisor on/off toggle
Easy undo: just remove aliases
v1.0.1
- Major cleanup: removed 17 documentation, example, reference, and script files.
- Simplified skill structure for easier maintenance.
- Updated requirements: now explicitly declares need for the env variable OPENROUTER_API_KEY.
- Revised security guidance in setup — users are no longer asked to paste API keys into chat, always using the interactive auth wizard instead.
v1.0.0
Cut your OpenRouter API costs 50-90%. Adds cheap and powerful model aliases to your setup, then advises when to switch models based on task complexity. 8 presets, 29 models, zero config risk — only adds aliases, never changes your default. 3 clicks to set up.
Metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OpenClaw Cost Optimizer?
Add cheap model aliases to your OpenRouter setup for tasks from simple to complex, cutting API costs 50-90% without changing your default model. It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 1316 downloads so far.
How do I install OpenClaw Cost Optimizer?
Run "/install openclaw-cost-optimizer" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.
Is OpenClaw Cost Optimizer free?
Yes, OpenClaw Cost Optimizer is completely free (open-source). You can download, install and use it at no cost.
Which platforms does OpenClaw Cost Optimizer support?
OpenClaw Cost Optimizer is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).
Who created OpenClaw Cost Optimizer?
It is built and maintained by Jeff J Hunter (@jeffjhunter); the current version is v1.1.0.
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