I don't own a Playstation 3 nor do I own a Plasma TV. This is not to say that I haven't been caught gazing at a plasma screen with definition so intensely sharp that I'm nearly mesmerized to the point of ignoring the price tag of the huge shiny object and grabbing an available pick-up truck (setting aside the current cost of gas) and loading one of these babies up into the truck to bring home.

The practical side of me says I'd have to not only rearrange the furniture in my home to accommodate my newly purchased trinket, but I'd also have to buy some bulky console to welcome this creation of clarity. I'll be honest, I'm not keen to the idea of added housework. Of course, a Playstation 3 might set me back about $400 initially, for me on its face an unnecessary extravagance, but I bet I could use my new Plasma TV console to store the Playstation thus satisfying my practical soul in the process. My credit card could use a little trip outside of my wallet and a spring cleaning, even in summer, is good for the soul.

But wait, before I jump in with tax rebate in fist, I should compare the monthly operating cost of the Plasma TV and the Sony Playstation. Choice, a non-profit, independent group, whose aim is to tackle the issues that really matter to consumers, publishes the weekly, monthly, and even yearly costs in electricity and dollar cost per kWh, the comparison price used is very close to what San Diego Gas & Electric customer's (SDG&E) pay.

Left on, I find that I can easily add $19 for the TV set and $20 for the Playstation to my monthly expenses. If I run around and switch the power off from my new toys when I am done with my fun, my monthly cost will be practically no burden at all.

SDG&E has an interactive home on their website showing that my Energy-Star rated refrigerator can cost as much as $12 per month and my electic dryer can run as much as 71 cents a load. 

Visiting Choice's site I'm finding that some televisions can consume more energy than an appliance. I couldn't help but look at the cost of my computer being up and running all day even while I am at work miles away. If I used the recommended energy savings instructions in a year's time, I could afford two tanks of gas at today's prices. Really something to consider.