Many appliances and electronic equipment use electricity even when turned off. 

• Estimated 6% of average household electric use
• 43 billion kilowatt-hours per year in the United States

Some standby power is useful:

• Lets equipment receive remote control signals
• Allows scheduled TV program recording

Other uses are not needed:

• Cell phone and other battery chargers plugged in when not in use
• Seldom used computer printers or other peripherals left on 24/7

How to save

• Check out a "Watts Up" portable energy meter from your public library to learn which equipment uses power when turned off.
• Unplug equipment when not in use.
• Use a switched power strip to turn off several pieces at once.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying new appliances and equipment.
• Avoid buying equipment with a clock or remote functions that are not needed.

For more information
Phantom Energy: Average Annual Energy Use [PDF - 227 KB]
Phantom Energy: Can You Identify the Users [PDF - 143 KB]
Phantom Energy: One Family's Experience [PDF - 153 KB]
Standby Power [PDF - 183 KB]