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Energy Savers: 'Phantom Loads' Could Increase Your Electric Bill

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― Are phantom loads overloading your BGE bill?

Mary Bubala reports phantom loads, or standby power, is a term for the electricity consumed by an electronic device while it's turned off or in standby mode.

That includes power that maintains your cell phone charger when not in use, coffeemakers and even clocks on your VCR.

In a study by the EPA, researchers found phantom loads can add as much as 10 percent a month to your utility bill.

Pick and choose which devices are worth unplugging entirely.  For example, maybe you can live without the clock telling you the right time on your VCR.

Another idea is to plug all your computer components into a power strip and then just flip that switch off when you head out for the day. A product called the "smart strip" power strip does that automatically for you.  If your computer isn't in use for an hour, it turns off -- saving you money.

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