Gizmodo: energy consumption

PowerZoa Would Be a Great Answer to the Question: "Did I Leave the Stove on?"

Sean Fallon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:19:59 EST

Why? Because you could use the device to remotely cut power to any gadget that is plugged in to an outlet.

It's only a prototype at the moment (one of many that have come out lately focused on saving energy), which probably explains why it still looks like a child's toy. Not a good idea when you consider that it sits between the wall outlet and the plug of your gadget. At any rate, PowerZoa transmits details on your power usage to a secure website, where you can use the interface to turn specific devices on or off.

Sooner or later something like this will be widely available, and there will be a cellphone app that would allow me to control everything. And when that happens, I will be all over it. [Powerzoa via DVICE]

Energy Star Setting Consumption Guidelines For Game Consoles

Sean Fallon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:20:00 EDT

It's no secret that your game console is not going to do much to save you money on your next power bill. However, Energy Star is finally prepared to set guidelines on energy consumption for these devices. In order earn an Energy Star seal of approval, manufacturers will have to use less than one watt during 'off' mode, and less than 5 watts in standby. The devices must also automatically power down after sitting idle for an hour. Furthermore, any set-top box and DVD/Blu Ray/Movie playback functions have to come within 10% of current Energy Star requirements.

As you know from all the other appliances in your home, being Energy Star certified is a choice, not a requirement. So it will be up to the manufactures to decide whether or not to comply—and somehow I doubt that many will so so right off the bat. I, for one, frequently leave my console on pause for hours while I go and do something else. That is one way I can see powering down after an hour being a real bitch. [GoodCleanTech via Treehugger via Kotaku]

Cost Control Power Strip: See How Power-Thirsty Your Gadgets Are

Kit Eaton — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:04:48 EDT

The Cost Controller power strip lets you hook up eight gizmos, protects them against voltage spikes, and also shows you how much power they're drawing so you can worry about your electricity bill well ahead of time. It actually shows consumption in kilowatt hours along with the frequency and voltage characteristics of your power line, if you're into that sort of data. At least watching those usage digits mount up on its LCD display might prompt you into eco-friendly behavior, like not leaving stuff on standby. Available now for $99.99. [Computer Gear via Red Ferret]