I contend that there is enough space on a standard 3-prong power plug to add a light-duty communication cable, making the whole thing backwards compatible with existing outlets. However, combined with a power strip or other supply device of similar conception, the interconnected devices will be able to share information with each other.

This will probably work best in an uninterruptable power supply or battery back-up device. When the external power supply is disrupted, all the devices can be notified, powering down automatically or otherwise "failing" in a safe manner. No separate data cords would be needed--conversely, the number of devices that can be saved in this way would be limited only by the number of outlets on the "smart" strip/center.

Another possible use is to improve the distribution of power within a dwelling. During high-energy-cost or high-energy-use periods, large appliances can be instructed to switch to lower-power modes, and appliances which don't need to be using power (those on standby mode, for example) can be shut off completely to reduce overall power consumption.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
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I disagree