Need A New Gift Idea That Saves Energy?

How About a Present That Doesn’t Use Power When It’s Turned Off

New Orleans, La. – If you’re planning to give your loved ones electronic devices for the holidays wouldn’t you like to know that your gift could save energy too? Then make sure to think about “phantom power” when you’re at the store looking for that last minute stocking stuffer.

Phantom power is the small amount of standby electricity many electronic devices use even when turned off. In fact, the amount of electricity used by home electronics that are turned off can be as much as 20 percent of your power usage, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

While most people know about simple steps to saving electricity such as using insulation and compact flourescent light bulbs, many have never heard of “phantom power.” So a gift that stops phantom power will be a great surprise long after it’s unwrapped.

Desktop computers with traditional, cathode ray tube screens consume 160 watts during operation, 100 watts when idle, and 10 watts in sleep mode. Replacing that CRT with liquid crystal display, or LCD, monitor will decrease those numbers to about 112 watts, 80 watts, and 8 watts, respectively. Laser printers can consume 350 watts while operating, 85 watts in idle state, and 20 watts in sleep mode.

Televisions, DVD players, washers and dryers, ranges, microwave ovens and chargers for cell phones, digital cameras, power tools, and rechargeable batteries all can use power when not in use. So when you’re doing your last-minute shopping, keep this shopping list in mind.
Phantom Power Shopping List:

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Power strips that connect several electronics to one power strip and have a switch that allows you to turn off the strip when the equipment is not in use.
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Energy Star-labeled appliances or electronic devices that use the least standby power.
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Appliances with all-in-one features, such as a phone with a built-in answering machine and caller ID display.
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Appliances or electronics that don’t have a built-in timer or clock.

“We are always looking for ways to help our customers manage their energy usage. So if any customer is not sure about what kinds of devices save energy, they can learn more from the Entergy Web site at www.entergy-neworleans.com. We’ve made the site very easy to use and an enjoyable learning experience even for kids,” Melonie Hall, director of customer service for Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. The company provides electricity to more than 141,000 customers and natural gas to more than 88,000 customers in Orleans Parish.