My fridge did not clearly indicate that keeping my food cold would cost me money in electricity. The hid that fact away in the "manual." I'm outraged.

Really? Every fridge I've ever seen in a store has a great big sticker on the front with a dollar amount for the expected electricity cost.

If people aren't aware that making an electronic device do work uses more electricity, it's their issue.

Usually, a fridge or freezer uses less electricity when it is full than when it is empty. So, the more work you ask it to do, the less it costs. Maybe it's not so obvious.