Don't Let Phantom Power Trick You into Higher Energy Use This Season
Rhea-AI Summary
Pacific Gas and Electric (NYSE:PCG) on Oct 27, 2025 highlighted how phantom/standby power raises household bills and emissions and offered tools to cut waste.
Key figures: idle loads can be up to 10% of a typical household electric bill, cost up to $100/year per household, and are roughly responsible for 1% of global carbon emissions. The release cites an LBNL estimate that proactive steps can reduce standby power by about 20%. Recommended actions and programs include unplugging devices, smart power strips, Energy Star upgrades, PG&E tools (Home Energy Checkup, Energy Action Guide), HomeIntel smart-meter coaching, tool lending, Kill A Watt and plug-load loggers, and assistance/financing programs (Energy Savings Assistance, GoGreen Financing).
Positive
- Idle loads can be up to 10% of a household electric bill
- Actions can reduce standby power by about 20%
- Potential household savings of up to $100/year
- Free PG&E tools and HomeIntel coaching for smart-meter customers
Negative
- Idle loads contribute roughly 1% of global carbon emissions
- Always-on devices can cost the average household up to $100/year
News Market Reaction – PCG
On the day this news was published, PCG gained 0.18%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Save Energy and Money by Eliminating Hidden Culprits to Take a Bite Out of Monthly Bills
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is helping customers detect those sneaky, round-the-clock appliances and devices that silently drain energy from your home or business, even when they are in standby mode or turned off.
The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) estimates idle loads can account for up to
"Energy vampires feed on everyday habits, but eliminating them doesn't require a big investment," said David Poster, PG&E Director, Building Electrification and Efficiency. "Small shifts in how you manage your energy use can lower your monthly bills and support a more sustainable future."
Watt-Wasting Offenders
The Standby Power Project identified some of the biggest energy-sucking devices:
- Desktop computer
- Computer monitor
- Smart Speakers/Smart Home Devices
- Phone/Tablet chargers
- Gaming consoles
- Modem/Internet router
- Television
- Cable box
- Coffee maker
- Printer
- Toaster
Garlic-free Guidance to Save
Taking a proactive approach can reduce standby power use by about
- Unplug devices when not in use. The older the appliance, the greater savings you'll likely see.
- Use smart power strips, which allow you to group your gadgets and shut off hidden energy drains with a single switch.
- 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 and 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.
- Both devices 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 online or at your nearest hardware store.
You can also lower energy bills and save money by building an Energy Efficiency DIY Toolkit. With an investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars each year.
Energy Efficiency Support Programs
- Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): provides income-eligible customers with energy-savings improvements at no charge.
- GoGreen Financing: a statewide program which offers affordable financing for energy efficiency upgrades to help homeowners and renters reduce their energy use.
Other Ways to Save
HomeIntel brings energy-saving strategies to life. Watch this video as a personal energy coach helps identify and eliminate costly power drains.
Additional energy and money-saving strategies that can help customers prepare for the cooler temperatures can be found at pge.com.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dont-let-phantom-power-trick-you-into-higher-energy-use-this-season-302595575.html
SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
FAQ
What does PG&E (PCG) say about phantom power on Oct 27, 2025?
How much can households reduce standby power using PG&E recommendations?
Which PG&E programs help PCG customers find phantom power drains?
What simple actions does PCG recommend to cut phantom power immediately?
Does PG&E offer financial help for energy-efficiency upgrades?
