Worlwide energy saving proposal! Take note and Spread the voice!?

Question

It has been proposed that on AUGUST 11th, SATURDAY of 2007, from 19:53 PM. to 20:00 PM. in the Central Time Zone for USA, Canada and Mexico (GMT - 6 or UTC - 6), everyone that reads this is encouraged to turn off their lights and hungry-power home-appliances like fridges, air conditioners, dishwashers, computers and TV's (turn off the freakin' Reality Show, for Christ sake!) and give our beloved planet a well-deserved break. Just seven minutes, turn everything off, and expect the response.
Be aware of the major problems of the planet; we caused them and we live in it, so it's not just Greenpeace again. Greenhouse effect, Ozone layer holes, global warming... If seven minutes of your time can make a difference, then please rise from the couch and cooperate.
Cover your eyes with adhesive and relax, but more importantly, don't turn on the TV.
The Internet is a powerful tool, let's use it for good and spread the voice by any means possible, and do it yourself too. THX in advance.

Answer 1

I think your plan is going to backfire big time. For one thing, any plan that relies on a very large base of participation to make its point runs that risk that it will instead reveal how few people are indeed under your propaganda control. I don't own a TV, but I am not about to schedule a time out just to make some rather esoteric point for someone I consider to have the wrong end of the stick in measuring these issues.

Plus a power down means a power surge coming back on, and could cause a lot of damage. I don't think the utility companies will thank you for this if it is a success: their equipment is designed around maintaining relatively consistent usage patterns.

If you really want to make a difference, think of recommendations that can cause permanent improvements in conditions, not a large symbolic gesture. Don't use appliances you don't need, turn off lights when you leave a room, use energy-efficient appliances, and so forth. Or better still, sponsor research into improving energy efficiency, donate to organizations that are buying the newer, more efficient appliances for the poor, or go to engineering school and design a few new ways to improve our efficiency.