When someone comes up with a good idea and successfully executes it, it is a publisher's duty to spread it. That's exactly what I am doing in this post. Wattguru.com is an interesting portal that I came across recently that allows you to, among other things, compare the energy usage (and costs) of one appliance vs. another. That way, users can know how much electricity (and cost) their appliances will consume on the long-run, and instantly compare it with other appliances. If you buy an inefficient appliance just because it is cheaper, I suggest you calculate its energy costs over its approximate lifetime and compare that cost also. Who knows, you might be surprised at how much more that cheaper (but energy inefficient) appliance might cost!
I compared the energy consumption of a desktop computer fitted with 19" LCD monitor, with a laptop fitted with 17" LCD monitor, and I was surprised with the results. As per the website, the laptop saves me more than 100 rupees per day @ 6 hours usage. I am not sure how accurate this data is, but even if we normalize that cost, the cost savings and energy savings is significant! Thankfully, I use a laptop and not a desktop. You can compare the energy utilization of other appliances like lights, air conditioners, room heaters, etc. from here.
The primary aim of Wattguru.com seems to be to spread the message of energy efficiency to the youth of India and encourage them to adapt an energy conscious lifestyle (Ref: Above embedded video). A lofty aim, I know, but someone has to start propagating such messages with innovative initiatives. If citizens purchase appliances after considering their energy consumption costs and spend energy more efficiently, the energy demand will go down drastically at the production point. With ever increasing energy demands, energy conservation and energy efficiency has a major role to play in our quest towards energy security. Every watt of energy saved is equal to four watts of energy produced!
There are other things on the site like articles/videos on energy efficiency, games, comics and a ton of info. Check it out - Wattguru.com.
