# Electricity Use-Curbing Power Strips The 'Switchboard' Power Bar Provides More Control and Savings By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-07-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchboard References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2019/07/15/a-smartphone-controlled-power-strip-to-power-individual-sockets-for-those-lazy-days/) The conceptual 'Switchboard' power bar has been designed by Ryan Biery as an electricity accessory solution that enables technology users to take more control over their energy usage than ever before. The unit works like any other [electricity bar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-strips) by allowing devices to be plugged in, but integrates connectivity into the mix to let users control each [individual outlet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelly-plug-gen4) via the accompanying [smartphone app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homey-energy-dongle). Users can also manually turn the power bar on and off with the integrate knob, while light ring on each outlet lets the user know when power is being used and increase their mindfulness surrounding energy consumption. The conceptual 'Switchboard' power bar could help to drastically curb unnecessary energy usage to save on monthly bills, while also reducing a consumer's carbon footprint at the same time. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Smart Power Strips:** The integration of connectivity and smartphone app control in power strips allows for personalized energy management and increased mindfulness around energy consumption. - **Energy Monitoring Accessories:** Accompanying smartphone apps and light indicators on power strips provide real-time feedback on energy usage, encouraging users to adopt energy-saving habits. - **Sustainable Energy Solutions:** Power strips that curb unnecessary energy usage contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting a more sustainable approach to energy consumption. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Technology Accessories:** Companies in the technology accessories industry can develop and market smart power strips to enhance their customers' energy management and conservation efforts. - **Home Automation:** The home automation industry can incorporate energy monitoring accessories into their products to empower consumers with greater control over energy usage. - **Renewable Energy:** Sustainable energy companies can leverage electricity use-curbing power strips to promote energy-efficient practices and complement their renewable energy solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Self-Monitoring Power Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teak-smart-cube.md) - [Rotating Outlet Power Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oconnect-onestep.md) - [Chic Technology Power Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/360-electrical-powercurve77.md) - [Pencil-Resembling Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-multitap.md) - [Modular Power Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-power-strip-1.md) - [Power Strip Illuminated Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightbox-power-strip.md) - [Modular Power Strip Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nodes.md) - [Intentional Disconnection Device Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/share-power.md) - [Artfully Dynamic Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aunion.md)