I have an energy-efficient dishwasher -- it is so quiet (which I love) but I've learned, if I don't fill it just right than it doesn't clean the dishes.
Thanks for posting, I did an expierment last month hand washing more and only running the dishwasher every other day. My water bill rates were the same but my usage was up and $7.50 cents higher bill! Now mabye after reading that I will save more because I dont just scrape off I rinse with hot water of course lol!