We have discussed this in our role as a design firm & energy consultant with a few colleges. We have so far agreed that occupants would find a way around it in ways that would likely compromise safety. The need for continual power for some devices makes this approach difficult to force. Some power strips have sensors and could be used to achieve some savings on "plug loads". Their use on a voluntary basis might produce some savings for motivated occupants.

Some institutions ban refrigerators, or require some "combo units" that combine with a microwave in a way that prevents simultaneous use. Some of these strategies alleviate the power capacity issue as much as actual consumption.

We've talked about this and are considering installing them in Bell Elementary near Seattle, mainly because teacher’s have a tendency to bring in their own lights sometimes. We started a little research project over on the wall across from our mechanical engineers about plug loads, with the ultimate goal of deciding what we can and cannot switch/control, but we have put it off a bit considering our electric guys have been so busy recently. I think a lot of students are starting to consider energy and if they were made aware of the function, they would use it. On the other hand, they don’t pay utilities, so with no financial incentive, they may not care. That doesn’t mean the school can’t request that lamps, etc be plugged into those outlets.