HOUSTON—With ERCOT issuing calls for electricity conservation and warnings about Level One power supply emergencies this week, many homeowners have power saving on their minds. However many may overlook the power drain caused by so-called vampire devices.
Vampire devices are the electrically undead that keep sucking up power - albeit small amounts - even when turned off.
Pat Hammond of Reliant Energy said vampire devices could be responsible for 5 to 10 percent of residents’ monthly electric bill.
Reliant Energy experts say consumers can drive a stake through the hearts of these devices by using special power strips that turn the devices completely off.
One brand is called Trickle Star. Their web site lists the price at $30. Such devices are TVs, computer monitors, printers, phone chargers, docking stations, cable boxes and anything that lives in standby mode.
Also, Hammond said every degree consumers lower their thermostat below 78 degrees will add another six percent increase to their electric bill.
