Twenty First Century Power Waste

Power. It's a commodity. It's a requirement. It's typically wasted in mass quantities by electrical products which have a lot of display implementation — typically in the form of lights and various meters which are there to provide input as to the functionality of whatever mechanism may be under consideration.

In the old days we were admonished regarding "vampire electricity" and urged to power down unnecessary electrical appliances to save this energy in use even when the device isn't being used.

I, for one have noticed the lack of total darkness in my bedroom due to the incessant twinkle of various LEDs and indicators on those electronics surrounding me. Having a profusely wired house with a gigabit backbone has contributed to that glow in which I exist.

I have also wondered periodically if my power bill would diminish should I power down all of the electronics in my midst. Alas, I really haven't considered the act as feasible due to interests beyond the homestead that originate here ... some of us have connections to maintain beyond our domiciles.

Sometimes the LEDs on the back of the cameras I have all over the place keep me awake. Alas, security remains a priority nonetheless.
 

I was reading in Yahoo News about a smart sensor being developed which can advise regarding devices wasting power in the home.

The device is a circuit which attaches to a power cord and has a USB interface for sensor data collection. Developed under the auspices of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Office of Naval Research it fills a need for a portable, low-cost smart sensor to optimize power consumption in their respective environments.

The progress with the device is said to be such that it may be available to consumers in time for Christmas of next year.

Bravo !