Entergy: Unplug devices to save energy, money
Last Modified: Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:29 PM
Entergy encourages customers to pay attention to phantom, or standby, power — the energy appliances and electronic devices use even when they’re off.
Chip Arnould, Entergy regional customer service manager, said televisions, microwaves and cellphone chargers use phantom power.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances and home electronics can account for as much as 20 percent of a typical monthly bill. About 75 percent of the products use energy when turned off.
Anything with a plug, a glowing light or a display can use phantom power, Arnould said. Among the most common phantom-power users are electronics with remote controls, built-in clocks or timers; computers; printers; video game consoles; and DVD players.
A study by the National Resources Defense Council showed that some cable TV boxes, which are often left on all day, can use as much power as a refrigerator, Arnould said.
Ways to decrease phantom-power use:
• Buy an advanced power strip and plug appliances into it.
• Unplug small power users.
• Check labels. Choose an Energy Star-labeled product that uses the least amount of phantom power.
Online: www.entergylouisiana.com.
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