Household energy management: Standby power waste and battery storage benefits

New research and expert warnings highlight different facets of household electricity management. In the United Kingdom, experts note that standby power, often called “phantom load,” can account for approximately 8% to 10% of a household’s annual electricity consumption. Devices such as televisions, internet routers, and game consoles continue to draw power even when turned off. The Ministry of Ecological Transition has clarified that completely cutting power to devices does not cause a spike in consumption upon reactivation, suggesting that unplugging devices can lead to measurable savings.

In Australia, a working paper by Bruce Mountain of the Victorian Energy Policy Centre suggests that combining home batteries with time-of-use tariffs may be an effective way to manage peak electricity demand. Analyzing data from over 5,000 households provided by retailer AGL, the study examines how solar and battery ownership influences consumer behavior in response to shifting peak and off-peak pricing. The findings aim to help grid managers encourage consumption patterns that ease strain on power supplies during high-demand periods.