EARTH HOUR questions for folks who know something about electricity

[wndycty]

1) Should we just turn off lights, radios, TV's etc. or should we also unplug clocks, VCR/DVRS, refrigerators, etc?

2) Will there be power surges when everyone turns on/plugs back in?

3) Will the act of everyone powering up actually expend more energy?

4) How much of an impact will EARTH HOUR have on both the environment and the bottom lines of the electric companies?

ON EDIT: Out of habit I put this thing in the WRONG FORUM MODS CAN YOU PLEASE MOVE IT?

[leftofcool]

1. Yes, power surges and expended energy

I am not an expert but I know what happens around here when everyone turns on their air for the first time or their electric heaters the first time. Other than that, can't help you.

[bhikkhu]

2. Sorry for the news, but the impact is entirely symbolic

That is, power companies generate power according to fairly static predictions of demand. If they generate power which is not used there is no basic means of storage, so no net savings. If participation is huge there might be some surges on power up or down, but other similar events in Britain, for example, have resulted in no disturbance to the grids.

[RC]

3. If you are serious about this, just flip the breakers or the main breaker.

Yes, there will be surges when people power back up. How bad depends on the timing and how good the grid is in your area.
#3 - yep, the surge thingy, power factor at play here also. Motors kicking in are the worst.
#4 - Ziltz. Most people won't do it. A few thousands out of how many millions?