Duke Energy Florida is encouraging customers to be aware of “energy vampires”—devices that continue to use electricity even when switched off. These devices, which include chargers, coffee machines, and gaming consoles, can account for up to 20% of a household’s total energy costs.
To help reduce unnecessary energy consumption and lower bills, the company suggests several steps. Customers are advised to unplug electronics that are not in use, turn off Halloween lights and decorations during the day and overnight, use smart power strips that cut off power to devices in standby mode, upgrade to LED bulbs which use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, and enable “energy saver” or sleep mode settings on TVs, computers, and appliances.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, said: “Small habit changes with home electronics can help cut costs. As we head into the cooler months and give our air conditioners a break, there are other ways, including finding energy vampires, that customers can continue to save power and money.”
Duke Energy Florida provides electricity to 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida. The parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States with electric utilities serving 8.4 million customers across six states.
For more information on saving energy and reducing bills, customers can visit duke-energy.com or consult the Duke Energy News Center for updates.
