technically they do save us money as by being more efficient at generation there is less "waste" and thus we aren't charged to cover this. plus its always a win for the planet if we don't make/use more than we need...
I too am frugal ( i prefer tight..
) and will always look to using as little as possible. My solar panels have been up 7 years now, well over payback on FIT alone never mind the ~ 100 a month saving on my bills ( in conjunction with the wood burner we fitted at the same time ) . We do live a completely alien life to those of even my parents. heck i preserve that much energy i don't even need to stand up and walk to the light switch or thermostat to use them
I am and will probably always be there at the bleedin edge of the list for using tech to make life easier and more convenient and just generally better.. I make no apologies for that but equally where using old tech is the right way I'm there as well.. the age of something doesn't define its value to me.