Standby power (phantom load or vampire energy) is the electricity consumed by devices that are turned off but still plugged in. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, standby power accounts for 5-10% of residential electricity use — costing the average household $100-200 per year. A typical game console in instant-on mode draws 10-15W continuously, while a cable set-top box draws 15-45W even when not actively in use.
How much does standby power cost the average household?
Modern electronics are designed for convenience — instant-on TVs, always-listening smart speakers, routers that never sleep. The International Energy Agency estimates that standby power accounts for 5-10% of residential electricity consumption worldwide. In France, ADEME reports an average of €100 per year in standby costs per household.
How can you reduce standby power consumption?
The most effective solution is a power strip with an on/off switch. Group devices by usage pattern — entertainment center, office setup, kitchen appliances — and switch off the entire strip when not in use. Smart plugs with scheduling can automate this. The savings from standby reduction can be reinvested — see our Compound Interest Calculator to see how small savings grow over time.