Idle load, phantom power, energy vampires. No matter what you call it, these energy drains lurk in electronic devices that are plugged in, but not in use. And their menacing names are fitting; they can take a big bite out of your energy bill.

A study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council found always-on appliances and electronics can account for nearly a quarter of customers’ annual electricity bill and can cost the average U.S. household nearly $200 a year. That wasted energy across the country is equivalent to brewing 234 cups of coffee every single day for a year.

Ready to conquer the ghostly gadgets in your home? Watch this video to discover simple, no-cost, and low-cost ways you can lower your energy usage and monthly bill.

About the author

Adrienne joined PG&E’s Marketing and Communications team in 2023. A busy mom of two boys, she is passionate about helping customers save energy and money, sharing energy efficiency tips and tools, and making bill support programs easy to understand and accessible for all. Her goal is to ensure customers feel supported when managing their energy needs.