Patent ID: 8165724

Claim:
A method for regulating power consumption with a master power control and display device, said method comprising: a) receiving a power cost schedule at said master power control and display device (MPCDD), wherein said MPCDD comprises a processor and a memory; b) prompting a user for user preference data related to power consumption by displaying a prompt on a display of said MPCDD; c) receiving user preference data related to power consumption at said MPCDD, wherein said user preference data specifies a plurality of specific devices, in communication with said MPCDD; d) determining a device control schedule, comprising device control data, for said plurality of specific devices based on said power cost schedule and said user preference data; and e) sending said device control data to said plurality of specific devices, wherein said device control data causes said plurality of specific devices to cooperatively modify their power consumption based on said device control data such that power consumption by one device is prioritized over power consumption of a second device.