If you're like the average Saskatchewan homeowner, about 10% of your power bill is going to cover the cost of using electronics, like televisions, computers and home entertainment systems.

Be aware of phantom power

Consider unplugging appliances and electronics when you aren't using them.

Certain appliances and electronic devices use power all the time when they are plugged in, whether they are being used or not. This phantom power, also known as standby power, is often electricity that simply goes to waste.

• Unplug battery chargers, cell phone chargers, laptops, and other similar devices when not in use.
• Or, plug these devices into a power bar with a switch that can be turned off.

Some phantom power is necessary. It's the kind of thing that keeps your television ready to detect signals from your remote control. If you watch your television a lot, you’ll appreciate having it ready. But, if you only watch it occasionally, you might want to consider that it can draw up to 4 watts of power just sitting there doing, well, nothing.

Speaking of doing nothing, even when your battery charger is not attached to a phone, drill, camera, or other appliance, it is still drawing power if it’s plugged in. The charger will also draw some current even after the appliance is fully charged.

In the average home, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This is equal to about 10% of total home electricity consumption or about 70 watts per home. In Canada, two coal-fired power plants could be decommissioned if phantom power was eliminated.

Devices likely to draw phantom power:

• any appliance with a digital interface or clock
  • - microwave, coffee maker, stove
• anything that relies on DC power
  • - computer, phone, electric toothbrush, printer
• any device that has a remote control
  • - stereo, television, cable box

Devices unlikely to draw phantom power:

• any appliance that has a mechanical switch that closes an electronic circuit in order to work
  • - overhead lights, lamps, and many kitchen appliances like mixers or toasters.