Lisa had grown tired of watching her electric bill climb every month in their small apartment. Determined to test a simple idea, she unplugged the microwave after every use for two full weeks in April. She carefully noted the numbers on the utility statement and even started turning off other standby devices. To her mild surprise, the difference appeared almost immediately. Her husband Jake teased her gently about becoming an energy detective, but he helped track the usage too. As the second week ended, Lisa opened the latest bill with excitement, only to freeze when she saw the shocking number…