The Problem
Because of California's massive economy, the state is the 12th largest emitter of carbon in the world, despite leading the nation in energy efficiency standards and taking a leading role in protecting its environment. Plug loads consist of the demand created by the myriad of electrical devices that plug into a home's electrical system. Plug loads are the third most significant consumers of energy, after lighting and heating and cooling. Some examples of plug load are:
• TVs
• VCR/DVD players • Stereos • Computers • Microwaves
• Water coolers
• Coffee machines
• Refrigerators
Many appliances aren't fully "off" unless they're unplugged; they're draining electricity even when they're not in active use. It may not seem like a big deal, but over time uncontrolled plug load is akin to losing the spare change in your pocket whenever you sit down; a loss of up to 15 watts, 24/7, from VCRs, televisions, appliances and other electrical devices.
Worse yet is equipment that's left on even when it's not being used, like computer monitors and lights. In many homes, computers and other electronics are left on 24/7, even when they're only in use for a few hours a day. That's several hours of wasted energy per day for every computer and electronic device that's left on.
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