I just returned from Australia and New Zealand where every outlet has a built-in power switch.  I would really like to have them in the states too.<p>I can&#x27;t seem to find a real reason why we don&#x27;t.  Perhaps the usage cost of electricity is less expensive in the U.S., or it&#x27;s something Americans are just less conscientious about.<p>There is a lot of speculative discussion in this thread <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.apartmenttherapy.com&#x2F;why-dont-us-outlets-have-built-110814" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.apartmenttherapy.com&#x2F;why-dont-us-outlets-have-bui...</a>.