The ultimate in energy efficiency will come when power producers can turn on and off small substations at a moments notice based on real-time data on energy consumption at a household level, and consumers can make power purchasing decision based on real-time metering of their consumption.

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While computers have dramatically increased efficiency, they have also provided the ultimate in distraction.

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None of this should surprise environmentalists: Fuel-efficiency standards sparked the boom in the ultimate symbol of wasteful consumption, the sport utility vehicle.

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