Have you ever stopped to consider the many electronic devices in your home using electricity - even when you are not using them? Laptop computers, answering machines, cell phone chargers, microwave ovens, power tools, electronic game systems, and even electric toothbrushes and shavers are drawing electricity all the time unless they are unplugged or shut off with a power strip. All those plugged-in, instant-on devices can add up on your electric bill. It's sometimes referred to as "phantom load."

Here are some tips to reduce phantom load at your house:

• Unplug what you are not using
• Install power strips and turn them off when devices plugged in are not in use
• Consider standby power when shopping for electronic devices
• Look for the ENERGYSTAR label

Source: ConsumerNews - WMECO