The unbearable sound box exists. We were already using it at my house 12 years ago in France. The purpose is to save energy and money although it is not quite the same as what you described. The electric company of France called EDF offered a plan coined ”Tempo”. Under that plan, you would pay 3 different price rates for electricity depending on a color scheme that would be announced a day ahead. The idea is that nuclear energy production was adjusted based on stochastic models. When a cold wave hit, they expected to have more demand of electricity. Those who chose Tempo took it on themselves to either pay for electricity at a horrendous price or rely on other sources of energy or simply their needs. It was a win-win plan. The consumer could plan to use appliances when the price was lower than the average rate on the market (Blue was very cheap) and abstain those days where it was red. As for the electricity provider, they were able to save resources by avoiding producing electricity that would go to waste (as everyone knows, nuclear power cannot be stored unless you have a rechargeable battery that in itself is an inefficient transfer). Anyway, if you want to see if the French will do their laundry tomorrow, here is the link ;)

http://www.edf-bleuciel.fr/accueil/mon-quotidien-avec-bleu-ciel-d-edf/option-tempo-141090.html