Abstract: An energy saving device monitors computer activity to determine if the computer is in active use, and if not in active use, it commands the computer to power down to a low energy use power state (and cut power to computer peripherals) unless a user indicates otherwise. The device also communicates the computer's energy usage (as well as energy usage of peripherals) to a remote management center associated with the electricity supply network supplying the computer. When electricity usage needs to be reduced in the electricity supply network, the remote management center sends a demand response event request to the computer, with the request commanding the computer to enter a low energy power use state unless its user indicates otherwise. If the user signifies that the low energy power use state should not be entered, the computer instead enters an intermediate reduced energy use power use state.

Abstract: A standby power controller that includes a sensor that is adapted to detect usage of a set top box. The standby power controller is adapted to remove power from a television that is associated with, the set top box in the event that the sensor does not detect said usage for a selected time period, thus reducing or controlling the use of energy by television receivers and associated audio visual equipment that might be attached.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for improving energy efficiency in an electricity supply network. The system creates a data link to an external remote management centre and receives from the remote management centre a schedule which describes when the computer is required not to be in a low power standby state. The computer is required to be available for use during this period, even if no user is physically present. The system will then instruct the operating system of the computer to be in a use state other than a low power standby state during that time period, that is not in hibernation or sleep of off.

Abstract: An energy saving device monitors computer activity to determine if the computer is in active use, and if not in active use, it commands the computer to power down to a low energy use power state (and cut power to computer peripherals) unless a user indicates otherwise. The device also communicates the computer's energy usage (as well as energy usage of peripherals) to a remote management center associated with the electricity supply network supplying the computer. When electricity usage needs to be reduced in the electricity supply network, the remote management center sends a demand response event request to the computer, with the request commanding the computer to enter a low energy power use state unless its user indicates otherwise. If the user signifies that the low energy power use state should not be entered, the computer instead enters an intermediate reduced energy use power use state.