Katie Couric's Notebook: Electricity

The typical home has 25 electronic devices, and the worst energy hog is that big screen TV you just bought. It uses about three times as much power as your old TV.

So, California officials are considering strict standards for new models. If it passes, as many as a quarter of the screens on store shelves could no longer be sold in the Golden State.

Some manufacturers oppose the move, but Congress already did this with kitchen appliances. Your refrigerator has more bells and whistles than the one Mom had, but chances are it uses half the electricity.

If we can cut power demand for more of the things we use every day, the future may look a little brighter, like the screen on your massive HD-TV for the environment and for your bank account.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.