The House Boy is required to use good judgment and foresight while planning and carrying out all activities at home and on the Master’s property. This includes his assigned duties and chores as well as recreational and entertainment activities. While the responsible use of energy resources is permitted and necessary, any flagrant or significant misuse or unnecessary wasting of such energy is strictly prohibited. Obvious misuse or waste in front of a guest reflects poorly on both the Master and the House Boy and is doubly punishable.

In the example photo, a House Boy asks for and is given permission to enjoy a snack between chores while the Master visits with a visiting college professor in the adjacent living room. Unsure of what type of snack seems the tastiest, the House Boy opens the refrigerator and freezer doors simultaneously and allows cold air to escape from both sides while he slowly examines the various shelves for something yummy to eat. The guest can’t help but smile at the sight of the House Boy’s bare backside standing at the refrigerator with arms embracing both doors, but his grin quickly turns to a frown as the pose is held while foggy air obviously escapes both sides of the electric appliance. When the guest turns to the Master and asks, “Is he supposed to leave both doors open at once?” it becomes necessary to instruct the House Boy to Report To Master (See below, Rule #211) for possible discipline.

In the circumstance pictured, the amount of energy wasted is minor and the Master might let this type of laziness slide with a lecture and a warning, but the fact that this House Boy chose to display his lack of energy consciousness right in front of a supervising guest — a university professor no less — requires disciplinary intervention. A bare hand Level One Spanking will be administered for the energy violation, with the number of swats doubled to remind the House Boy that his Unnecessary Wasting Of Energy was both observed by and reported to the Master by an energy-conscious house guest. If the House Boy also fails to properly close the refrigerator doors before reporting for discipline, this constitutes a separate violation under the Cumulative Violation Rule (Rule #100) and would add additional swats or possibly escalate his punishment to a Level Two Spanking using an implement like a paddle or shoe.

Wasting of any significant and measurable energy resource that the Master or others pay for is considered a violation of this rule. This includes but is not limited to electricity, water, natural gas or propane, batteries, and automobile fuel. It does not include the House Boy’s personal energy or physical labor which should be used to make life easier for the Master and those who visit. Energy resources that are dedicated to a specific and approved task are not considered waste and are not subject to punishment. The House Boy will be allowed to give a verbal explanation of his behavior on request, with any reasonable doubt or legitimate mitigating factors to be judged in his favor. Minor variations of energy use (less than 10% over that which is customary to complete a task) are not considered significant and therefore not a violation. The Master may also take into account the opinion of others with regard to the determination of guilt, the need for punishment, and the type and manner of discipline which may need to be administered.

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Rule 250-B — Unnecessarily Wasting Energy Prohibited
Classified: Household Duties
Classified: Duties and Chores

Some Related Links...
Rule #103 — Laundry Day
Rule #123 — Appropriate Terminology
Rule #187 — Permission To Use Furniture
Rule #211 — Report Command