There was no wind-generated electricity, and we didn't have the nation's most advanced building and appliance efficiency standards as we later adopted.

WSJ: Allysia Finley: The Reverse-Joads of California

It's because of appliance and efficiency standards that we've been able to keep our energy usage relatively flat, and considering California is on average a warmer state, that's pretty amazing.

FORBES: Obama's High-Tech Energy Pick

Alan Meier, a government scientist who specializes in energy efficiency, says existing appliance power supplies are "energy vampires" sucking up to 10 percent of the electricity that comes into a home.

CNN: New power supply may drive out 'energy vampires'