Triple ][: Can you describe the "ghost load" in more detail. I'd like to know more about devices (whatever the age) which are inefficient in standby. The IIc PSU is obviously of interest here.

John Dvorak (and I know that many people will be spitting with contempt on reading the name) recently wrote a very well argued column about power management. He simply said, "If not in use, turn it off completely". Dvorak is paid to be a stirrer but that does not necessarily mean that all of his contrary ideas are ridiculous. Don't run around switching off mobile phone chargers and their like; just switch off devices like computers and lights bulbs that draw lots of power.