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ENERGY

EFFICIENCY

ELEMENT

WHY UTILITIES & THEIR CUSTOMERS SHOULD
STILL PAY ATTENTION TO VAMPIRE LOAD

Over the past few decades, many technologies have
made strides in reducing the amount of energy used when
in standby mode. Standby power is electricity used by
appliances and equipment while they are switched off or
not performing their primary function. Also called vampire or
phantom load, this seemingly minor issue has accounted for
as much as 10 percent of residential energy use.

The culprits include electronics such as televisions, video
game consoles, and computers, and appliances such as
clothes washers and dryers. Over time, as technology has
improved, the amount of energy used by these items when
not in use has come down, but vampire load continues
to account for as much as 5 to 10 percent of residential
customers’ energy use. Our devices might use less power,
but we’re using more electronic devices.

While the latest Residential Energy Consumption Survey
by the Energy Information Administration shows that the
average number of TVs per U.S. household is declining, the
number of smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, and
streaming media devices is on the rise. According to the Pew
Research Center, the typical American household has five of
these devices.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY AUDIT & DIRECT INSTALL
PROGRAM

This program aims to assist high energy use customers as
well as participants in our Energy Bill Assistance and Solar
Interconnection programs. The program provides eligible
residential customers with a full in-home energy audit which
includes specific energy efficiency recommendations for
their home plus a fixed set of maintenance and upgrades
provided at no cost up to the value cap set by energy use
range or program participation. Measures included in this
program are AC tune-ups, duct testing and sealing, HVAC
filter change, energy efficient lighting, and smart power strips
to reduce vampire load.

Visit MVU’s website or call today to get more information
about participating in this effective and cost-saving program!
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