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Save 9 Percent On Your Utility Bill By Shutting Off The "Phantom"

Wikimedia Commons Ivy Main

You can reduce electric use in your home up to 9 percent by checking everything plugged in and selectively shutting down unused, always-on devices. That's according to new research conducted by Alliant Energy.

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

John Beard of Focus on Energy says Alliant did a pilot study on what's referred to as 'phantom electricity'. It the energy that's used by your electronics that draws power even though it's turned off or in standby mode...

"These people can save up to 9 percent on their energy use by taking an inventory of everything that is plugged in and making sure things they're not using are turned off. These 'always on' devices like your DVD player or remote top box that you have for your streaming service or your television or PC..."

Beard says there are free ways to save the 9 percent with the most obvious being turn the devices off when not in use. There's another available through Focus on Energy..

"These advanced power strips are just like the ones you might have in your home, only they have circuitry that senses when your device is not being used, or is in stand-by mode. It automatically shuts off the power..."

Advanced power strips are available at the website www.focusonenergy.com/free

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