How Much “Vampire Energy” Is Costing American Households

You might be paying for more electricity than you realize, even when everything appears to be turned off. Known as “vampire energy“, this sneaky power drain happens when plugged-in appliances and electronics use electricity even when not in active use.

To understand the impact, we analyzed national energy data and surveyed nearly 1,000 Americans about their habits and awareness. The results reveal how much power is being wasted and where the biggest savings opportunities are.

Key Takeaways

• The average American household loses $217 per year to vampire power.
• Connecticut ($332.19), Florida ($328.34), and Hawaii ($315.67) are the top 3 states losing the most money to vampire energy.
• Vampire energy accounts for roughly 15% of annual energy usage in American households.

The Real Cost of Vampire Energy in American Homes

Using national energy data and appliance standby usage from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Berkeley Lab, we estimated how much electricity and money each state loses to vampire energy every year.

• Vampire energy accounts for roughly 15% of energy usage in American households each year, costing them about $217 annually.
• Kitchen appliances and cable boxes/receivers are the top silent power leeches.
• Connecticut ($332.19), Florida ($328.34), and Hawaii ($315.67) are the top 3 states losing the most money to vampire energy.
• The states losing the least to vampire energy are in the West and Midwest, with average annual costs as follows:
  • New Mexico: $127.62
  • Utah: $144.84
  • Iowa: $157.51
  • Wyoming: $157.78
  • Colorado: $157.93

What Americans Know (And Don’t Know) About Standby Power

• While 45% of Americans hadn’t heard of vampire energy before, most (85%) knew that their inactive but plugged-in devices use electricity.
• Americans estimate that vampire energy is costing them $21 per month.
• Gen Zers (32%) are the most likely to unplug electronics when not in use.

Perception vs. Reality: Which Devices Drain the Most Energy?

Can Unplugging Really Make A Difference?

• If they reduce vampire energy by 50%, the average household could save about $109 per year.
• 52% of Americans would be willing to change their habits if reducing vampire energy could save them $100–$200 a year.
• Gen Z (98%) is most willing to make changes to reduce vampire energy usage compared to other generations.

Methodology

We collected data from EIA.gov and the Berkeley Lab to determine residential energy usage across the United States and the energy usage of commonly plugged-in household appliances. We gathered resident electric sales data for all 50 states and standby electricity usage information on 54 household appliances.

We also surveyed 993 Americans to explore how much vampire energy is costing them. The mean age was 42; 49% of respondents were male, 50% were female, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 10% of respondents were baby boomers, 25% were Gen Xers, 52% were millennials, and 12% were Gen Zers. Percentages not totaling 100% are due to rounding.

About Payless Power

Payless Power provides affordable prepaid electricity plans to help Texas residents avoid big deposits and unexpected bills. By offering flexible payment options and no credit checks, we make it easy to take control of your energy usage and reduce waste, especially from sources like vampire energy. Learn more about our prepaid plans and how we can help you save today.

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