Your idea triggered a product I saw a few months back that is pretty successful as it seems to be always sold-out.  Its a 'Smart Strip" that has surge protection along with the ability to turn-off the "idle current" that you mentioned to peripherals and such.  Would seem our niche is stuff that is remote, portable, wireless etc..that has a need for batteries.  Solar applications could be a play.  Who knows!

www.bitsltd.net