Southern California Edison Asks: 'Slay Energy Vampires This Halloween'

Southern California Edison (SCE) wants to warn its customers about the scary "energy vampires" that lurk throughout their homes and businesses.

Common household devices and appliances still draw electricity even when they are off or in "sleep" mode. And that additional energy use can result in higher electricity bills.

SCE reported that consumer electronics account for about 15 percent of all residential electricity consumption. Electric devices - such as televisions, stereos, phone chargers, DVD players, computers, and microwave ovens - can be energy guzzlers. Simply plugging the devices into a power strip and turning it off (or unplugging the appliances completely) can save up to 5 percent on the average bill.

"We're encouraging our customers to become the ultimate "energy vampire" slayers, and by doing so, they'll save energy, money and the environment," said Gene Rodrigues, SCE's director of energy efficiency. "There are so many easy, quick ways to become a smarter electronics consumer."

SCE encourages its customers to look for the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star symbol when shopping for electronics and appliances. The blue star signifies that the model is among the most energy-efficient of its kind, SCE stated.

An Edison International company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation's largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

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