Here’s an interesting little gizmo. Belkin’s new 8-outlet Conserve Surge Protector.

What’s neat about it is that 6 of the sockets can be turned off by the supplied remote control, meaning a saving of vampire energy loss when the devices plugged in are not in use. The other 2 sockets are “always on” for devices like set-top boxes and modems that typically stay powered up.

Belkin is suggesting a 20% savings in energy costs if this device is used regularly. That may be high but any savings are good savings.