As customers prepared last week to celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, scary movies and haunted houses, Cleco reminded them to beware of the “phantom” power that may be creeping throughout their homes and businesses.
Phantom power is a term used to describe electricity used by appliances and electronics that are left plugged in when they are turned off or not being used. These items, on average, drain electricity 24/7 and account for over $100 of a home’s energy bill each year. Examples are cell phone chargers, power tools, televisions, toasters, coffee makers, computers, printers and game consoles.
“We often forget about phantom power, but the average home or business has several appliances and electronics using energy when they are left plugged in, even though they may be turned off,” said Hammad Chaudhry, Cleco energy efficiency manager. “This is a reminder to unplug them when they are not being used.”
