Killing Vampires. As Much As 10% Of U.S. Electricity Consumption Lost To Vamps

Killing off power vampires. "The Energy Department, environmental groups and the companies that deliver television signals to 90 million homes announced an agreement on Monday to tame "vampires," the term used for devices that use electricity even when they are turned off. Such devices, which include set-top boxes like DVRs, as well as cable and satellite receivers, are never really "off." Some draw almost as much current when they appear inactive as when they are running, experts say. The agreement will save consumers more than $1 billion a year, both government and industry officials said." Matthew L. Wald in The New York Times