Bosnia and Herzegovina households can save up to 100 KM annually by unplugging devices

Household devices left on stand-by mode can significantly increase electricity costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to estimates from the German advisory organization co2online, stand-by power consumption can reach up to 360 kWh per year for an average household. At current local electricity prices, this equates to approximately 70 KM, though older devices can drive costs above 100 KM annually.

Major contributors to this waste include older televisions, receivers, music systems, computers, and printers. While newer models are more efficient—with some televisions consuming less than 1 W on stand-by—older hardware remains a primary concern.

The financial impact is heightened by recent changes to electricity billing. As of September 1, 2025, Elektroprivreda BiH implemented block tariffs (green, blue, and red), which increased prices by 6.85 percent. During winter, increased usage from heaters and water heaters often pushes households into higher, more expensive consumption blocks, making the reduction of stand-by power a critical factor in managing monthly bills.