[PLUG-TALK] 1 watt 24x7 = 16 dollars per decade

[Keith Lofstrom]

Many modern computer devices use new technology to
accomplish tasks with less wallplug power.  
I computed the cost of one extra watt added to my
PGE bill for 10 years, given my power rates per
kilowatt hour; 10*8766 watt hours = 87.6 kilowatt
hours costs $16 in 2026 dollars. 

That number helps me decide whether to spend - say -
$40 for a new 1 watt device (for example, an 8 port
ethernet switch) to replace an ancient 5 watt device
that still does the job.  (5-1) times $16 is $64;
considering cost alone, I save $24.  If the new
switch fails early, I still have the old switch as
a spare. 

If I donate the still-working old switch to Goodwill,
some penny-wise pound-foolish shmuck buys it for $5
and inherits the inflated power bill.

Note that at age 72, my actuarial longevity is about
12 years, so investing time to save power in the long
term may be foolish.  On the other hand, my MD wife
has kept her father alive to 107, and has learned ways
to keep us alive longer.  As the falling man shouted
while he plummeted past the 50th floor, "OK so far!"

Keith L.

-- 
Keith Lofstrom          keithl at keithl.com