I Just Blacked Out

Well not really blacked out, but we did experience a major power outage the other day for a couple of hours.  It was actually pretty strange since I have not had to experience a real power outage like that in a couple of years.  The good thing was it was at night so the heat of the day was cooling down and I just went to bed so honestly I hardly noticed it.  But it did get me thinking about how much money and energy was saved from having no power.  And then I thought I wonder if there is a way to schedule power outages as a way to conserve energy.  I know there are probably some security risks involved in all that, like banks and hospitals probably can't be without power.  But if there was a way to shut down power just for 15 minutes or so every night in residential neighborhoods it could wind up being a huge savings.  It is just a thought.  I mean you would have to keep it random and just circulate through a city, but gee that has got to be a lot of energy and pollution being conserved.  Or maybe if there is not a way to schedule power outages a switch could be designed that lets you turn off off outlets.  Similar to a light switch but a way to control every outlet in the house.  I mean I have no idea how all this stuff works so these ideas could be totally ridiculous, but it is just something to think about.