Duke Energy Florida is advising customers to be aware of “energy vampires,” devices that continue to use electricity even when switched off. These devices can contribute up to 20% of a household’s total energy costs.
The company recommends several actions to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Customers are encouraged to unplug unused electronics such as chargers, coffee machines, and gaming consoles, as these items draw power even when not in use. Duke Energy Florida also suggests turning off Halloween lights and decorations during the day and overnight, using smart power strips that cut off power to devices in standby mode, upgrading to LED bulbs which use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, and enabling “energy saver” or sleep modes on TVs, computers, and other appliances.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, stated: “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 supplies electricity to two million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in the state. The company is part of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), which serves 8.4 million electric customers in six states and owns nearly 55,000 megawatts of capacity nationwide.
For more information about reducing energy usage and lowering bills, customers can visit duke-energy.com or the Duke Energy News Center for updates on company initiatives.
