The information in this article is condensed from a newsletter of CADDET Energy Efficiency published in Gittard, the Netherlands.

Standby power is the electricity used by appliances while switched off or not performing their primary task. About 5% of residential electricity, corresponding to 50 watts per home, is now consumed by appliances in standby mode.

The increased reliance on electronics has led to increased energy efficiency in providing these amenities. However, these same trends cause many appliances to continue to consume electricity even while switched off or not performing their principal task. Analogous to the pilot light in a gas/propane stove or fireplace, standby power has acquired other names such as 'standby losses', 'leaking electricity', 'waiting electricity', 'free-running power', 'off-mode power' and 'phantom loads'. Some of the most common appliances with standby power are televisions, cordless telephones, microwave ovens and battery chargers. Every appliance with a remote control has standby power consumption.

The concept of an appliance being "off" is becoming increasingly indistinct. Video cassette recorders (VCR's), for example, keep track of the time, can be programmed to record at preset times and sometimes even remember which channels have signals. Although the VCR is using a minimum of electricity in this mode it is not considered off. An appliance probably uses standby power if it has any of the following features:

A brief inspection of any home (or office) will reveal many appliances meeting one or more of these criteria.

It is technically feasible to reduce standby power in most cases to below one watt. This roughly equates to two-thirds reduction in today's typical appliance. A target of one watt may not be economical in all situations but the trend is moving in that direction. New consumer electronics are now appearing with much lower power consumptions. However, an increasing number of appliances will have standby power use. White goods, such as dishwashers, washers and dryers are only just beginning this transformation. If no measures are undertaken, the net result will probably be a gradual increase in standby power.