A method of performing protocol specific operations on a packet passing through a connection point on a computer network. The diode includes a stack of a first semiconductor region containing an impurity of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region containing an impurity of the first conductivity type lower in concentration than in the first semiconductor region, and a third semiconductor region containing an impurity of a second conductivity type. The system preferably relates to the manner in which an end-user of energy can implement energy and costs savings, by using energy storage and time-shifting methods, to control and regulate the consumption of energy in a manner that achieves a cost savings over a period of time.