Identify and Defeat Phantom Power and Treat Your Energy Bill

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Silent energy suckers are scattered throughout your home and business, often hiding in plain sight. These invisible drains on electricity can quietly add up to increased power use, even when appliances and devices are in standby mode or turned off, putting additional strain on energy budgets. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is helping identify these costly energy vampires, and support customers with practical ways to lower their energy consumption and save money on monthly bills.

Many of the appliances and devices customers use are always plugged in. But these always-on appliances and electronics can account for nearly a quarter of customers' annual electricity bill and can cost the average U.S. household up to $200 a year. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the wasted energy across the country is equivalent to brewing 234 cups of coffee every single day for a year.

Biggest Electricity-guzzling Ghouls:

• Television

• Smart Speakers/Smart Home Devices

• Cell Phone/Tablet Chargers

• Modem/Internet Router

• Gaming Consoles

• Desktop Computers & Laptops

• Countertop Kitchen Appliances: coffee makers, kettles, microwaves

These small no-cost and low-cost changes can help lower energy usage and provide relief when every bit of savings matters:

• Unplug devices when not in use

• Use advanced power strips

• Turn lights off when you leave the room

• Upgrade to Energy Star? certified appliances

• Use PG&E's free energy and money-saving online tools: Home Energy Checkup and Energy Action Guide.

• Sign up for HomeIntel: a free program for PG&E customers with a Smart Meter, includes a free Smart Audit account & personal energy coach.

• Use a Kill A Watt? Meter: a device that plugs into the wall to read how much energy is being consumed by an electrical device.

• Use a Plug Load Logger: a device that measures and records power and energy consumption and provides time-stamped information for a detailed analysis.

  • Kill A Watt? meters and plug load loggers are available to borrow at the PG&E Energy Centers Tool Lending Library (shipping rates may apply) or check your local library for availability. The devices can also be purchased at your nearest hardware store and online.

A comprehensive home idle load self-diagnosis and action guide can also be found here.

Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit
Did you know you can lower energy bills and save money with an energy efficiency DIY tool kit? With an investment of less than $200 in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars annually on their energy bills.