>> I don't agree. How can I use up lights, fans/AC(not here) & TV in advance? These would form a major part of domestic usage I think.
There is the point. You cannot use them in advance nor postpone them. That is the need of the hour which is denied to you and thereby saving power.
>> Geyser/boiler/microwave - can use in advance. But then, I would use them anyway after power comes back if I *NEED* to.
On a busy day, you want to be ready on time and just before entering the bathroom, power is cut. You are forced to use alternative resources for heating water. You cannot just afford to wait till power comes and the water heats up to take bath. If you know the schedule of the power cut, then you will make sure that the water is heated well before the cut. Here is where surprise element works out.
>> But power saved by cutting down on unnecessary use of prev category - very less. Iron box - no point, looking at ppl's clothes :D
Its not the lights/fans that make up a huge chunk of domestic power usage. Its the Geyser+Microwave+AC combination that contributes to it.
>> Water pump - I *will* use whenver there is power 'cos I cant survive without water. Maybe evn microwave & others if needed. So now?
Ok. Their main objective is not to make your survival difficult by not making you use the water pump. Water pump is not the need of the hour. Its once or twice a day that you use it and can be used at any point of the day.
Microwave - When you are hungry, you will not wait for the power to be restored to heat your chapathi. Your stomach *will* force you to use gas.