Stop Vampire Appliances from Taking a Bite Out of Your Budget

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE: PCG) has identified energy vampire appliances that unnecessarily consume electricity while turned off, accounting for over 10% of home energy use. These include devices like televisions and modems. To combat this, PG&E recommends using Energy Star certified appliances, utilizing power strips, and unplugging devices when not in use. Additionally, the Home Energy Checkup tool offers tailored energy-saving tips. Visit pge.com for more information.

Positive

• Energy-saving initiatives may improve customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
• Promoting Energy Star certified appliances could enhance market positioning and revenue from eco-friendly products.

Negative

• High proportion (over 10%) of wasted energy highlights inefficiencies in customer energy use, potentially leading to increased regulatory scrutiny.

Identify Energy Vampires Sucking Up Energy to Reduce Usage and Save Money

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vampire appliances have a voracious appetite for sucking energy out of electrical outlets and money out of your wallet, even when they are turned off. These appliances and devices still use energy while powered down and they are potentially all over your home.

While these devices may have sleep or standby modes, they can still continuously use electricity to perform updates, connect to remote servers, and record data.

The connectivity of modern devices is one reason why wasted energy and money from idle gadgets has increased in recent years. The associated energy draw may account for more than 10% of home energy use. Home electronics like televisions, cable boxes, modems, video game consoles, and even DVD players are typically the largest energy vampires.

Other common vampires include any device that’s programmable or has a remote control, light, or clock.

Ways to Stop Vampire Appliances

• Use Energy Star certified appliances. Energy Star appliances are more efficient than their counterparts. While you may pay more up-front, the savings in energy costs over the life of the product often makes up the difference.

• Plug into power strips. It’s unrealistic to unplug each device after use. Power strips are easily accessible and can shut off power to a variety of devices at the same time.

• Unplug when charged. When devices like cell phones and tablets are charged, unplug the chargers.

• Let the Computer Sleep. Adjust your computer setting to go to sleep after 30 minutes or less. Disable screensavers and set the monitor to turn off after 10-15 minutes.

• Utilize PG&E’s Home Energy Checkup. This online tool allows you to share basic data then provides customized energy savings recommendations tailed to your specific household.

Tap into the Halloween spirit by spooking energy vampires into giving your utility bill a treat! For even more ways to reduce energy use, check out our energy-saving tips.

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 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221024005752/en/

MEDIA RELATIONS:

415-973-5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

FAQ

What is the impact of energy vampire appliances identified by PG&E?

Energy vampire appliances can consume over 10% of home energy use, leading to higher utility bills.

How can I reduce energy consumption with appliances?

PG&E suggests using Energy Star appliances, power strips, unplugging devices, and utilizing their Home Energy Checkup tool.

What is PG&E's Home Energy Checkup?

It's an online tool that provides customized energy-saving recommendations based on your household's data.

Which appliances are considered energy vampires?

Common energy vampires include televisions, modems, cable boxes, and devices with remote controls.

How does PG&E plan to help customers save energy?

By promoting energy-efficient appliances and providing resources for identifying and reducing energy waste.