UK Teenager's gadgets are big energy wasters

[nam78_two]

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/39390/story.htm

LONDON - Teenagers in Britain who leave computer games and other gadgets on standby mode are wasting over 100 million pounds worth of energy a year, enough to power London's underground train system for 12 months, according to a survey commissioned by British Gas.


"Almost a third of all the electricity used by teenagers is wasted through leaving appliances on standby," Lois Hedg-Peth, Energy Director at British Gas, said on Thursday.

"Because of their low power consumption, these devices are often overlooked when households look for ways to save energy."

Total energy consumption of all teenagers' gadgets exceeds the annual output of the average UK nuclear reactor, or all the country's wind turbines, the survey of 400 13-19 years olds showed, British Gas said.

The wastage could be reduced by a third if teenagers were to switch appliances off rather than leave them on, British Gas, the UK's biggest household gas supplier, said.

[Deja Q]

1. Most appliances' "standby" mode will waste electricity.

People do not wish to reset their stations every time they turn on their TV or whatever. One reason why the device always draws power when plugged in, but activates all circuits when the "power" button is activated.

I like powering things off when possible and a surge protector works wonders.

[piedmont]

2. but apparently it's just the teenagers who are being wasteful!

If you're over 20, there MUST be a good reason for your gadget to use elecricity. :sarcasm:

[valerief]

3. Thank god we Murkans waste our energy in SUVs. nt