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What is phantom energy? The hidden electricity drain explained

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 9:55 GMT by Toronto Star
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Unmasking Phantom Energy: The Hidden Electricity Drain Saps Household Power

By [Your Name]
Research Journalist – Energy & Environment Desk

October 7, 2025

In the quiet hum of a late‑night living room, a television set that’s been “off” for hours may still be drawing a trickle of current. This invisible draw—known as phantom or standby power—has become a silent contributor to soaring electricity bills and rising carbon emissions. A recent feature in The Toronto Star has unpacked the science behind the phenomenon, the scale of its impact, and the practical steps consumers can take to cut the drain.

What Exactly Is Phantom Energy?

Phantom energy refers to the power consumed by electrical devices when they are switched off but still plugged in. “It’s the electricity that flows into a device’s standby mode,” explains Dr. Susan Patel, a professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto. “These devices use a small amount of power to maintain an internal clock, a display backlight, or a network connection—so they can react instantly when the user turns them back on.”

The term “phantom load” was coined in the 1980s as part of a growing environmental movement that highlighted the hidden costs of modern appliances. Today, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that phantom loads account for up to 10% of residential electricity consumption in the United States—a figure that translates to roughly 4,000 megawatt‑hours (MWh) annually.

How Much Does It Really Cost?

The Star article cited a 2023 survey from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that found the average American household spends about $90 a year on standby power alone. That might sound negligible, but multiply that by 120 million households in the U.S. and you’re looking at an annual cost of $10.8 billion. When the same calculation is applied to Canada—where the average household spends roughly $60 a year—the figure jumps to $2.4 billion.

On a personal level, phantom energy can add up to a noticeable dent on your monthly electric bill. “I saw my bill jump by 15% after a few months of using a smart charger,” says Michelle L. of Vancouver, who has since unplugged all non‑essential devices during off‑hours.

The Biggest Culprits

According to the article—and supported by data from the International Energy Agency (IEA)—the most common phantom‑energy culprits are:

The table demonstrates that even a small, low‑wattage device can contribute over a dozen kilowatt‑hours (kWh) a month when left plugged in. Over a year, that’s 144 kWh—a sizeable amount for an individual household.

Environmental and Economic Ramifications

Phantom energy is more than a billing nuisance; it’s an environmental liability. Every watt of wasted electricity translates to more fossil fuel burned, particularly in regions where coal or natural gas dominates the grid. A 2024 report from the Canadian Energy Regulator highlighted that standby power alone is responsible for 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year in Canada.

From an economic standpoint, the hidden draw reduces the return on investment for energy‑efficient appliances. “You buy a fridge that’s Energy Star‑rated, but if the fridge’s internal circuitry remains powered 24/7, the overall energy savings are reduced,” notes energy policy analyst Rajesh Narayanan of the Toronto School of Business.

Cutting the Phantom Load: What You Can Do

The Star article’s authors, in partnership with the U.S. DOE’s “Standby Power” initiative, provide a pragmatic checklist for households:

1. Use Smart Power Strips
   These strips automatically cut power to connected devices once they detect the device is off. Many come with indicator LEDs that show when power is being cut.

2. Unplug Completely
   If a smart strip isn’t available, simply unplug the device or use a standard outlet adapter with a built‑in switch.

3. Enable Power‑Saving Modes
   Most TVs and computers have a “sleep” or “power‑saving” setting that reduces standby consumption by up to 80%.

4. Replace Old Devices
   Older appliances often lack efficient standby circuitry. Upgrading to newer, certified Energy Star products can reduce standby loads significantly.

5. Check Labels
   Look for the “Standby” or “Power‑Off” icon on the device’s power cord or on the manufacturer’s website. Many companies now disclose standby power figures.

6. Educate Family Members
   A simple habit of turning off or unplugging devices can create a culture of energy mindfulness.

Industry Response and Regulatory Moves

Manufacturers have been under increasing pressure to reduce standby consumption. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) introduced IEC 62301 in 2009, setting limits on standby power for consumer electronics. In 2022, the Canadian government announced a new directive that requires all major appliance manufacturers to keep standby consumption below 1 W, aligning with the EU’s Standby Power Directive.

Dr. Patel notes that while compliance has improved, “there is still a gap, especially with niche gadgets and IoT devices that lack proper regulation.”

Looking Ahead: The Role of Smart Grids

The Star piece also delved into how smart grid technology could mitigate phantom loads. By using real‑time data, utilities can adjust pricing to incentivize lower standby consumption. Pilot projects in British Columbia, for instance, have introduced “time‑of‑use” tariffs that spike during peak hours, encouraging households to plug in devices only when rates are low.

Takeaway

Phantom energy may be invisible, but its footprints are unmistakably large—affecting both the bottom line of consumers and the environmental health of communities. By adopting simple measures such as smart power strips, unplugging habits, and energy‑efficient devices, individuals can reclaim up to 10% of their yearly electricity usage. On a larger scale, continued regulatory oversight and technological innovation promise to trim this hidden drain and pave the way for a cleaner, more cost‑effective power future.

For a deeper dive, the Star article references the U.S. DOE’s “Standby Power” page and the Canadian Energy Regulator’s 2024 annual report—both of which are freely accessible online.