You're right, this is different...

The switches I am talking about physically shut the power off at the main for that circuit. There is no transients waste or power in the line.

What you are talking about more is the modern "Energy Saver" or "Green" appliances that are always on thus wasting power all the time.
Or standard AC to DC power supplies that are left plugged in even when not in use. The Induction losses {the coil inside} is always converting power to heat so always on.

And reference to storing the surge, I suppose it is possible - but its usually not very significant and 'out of phase' with the normal power to be of use. For people that pay for heavy machinery and generators this is a different story and there is many things available... Tweet