Your house may be dark and quiet, but you may have a phantom leeching energy and possibly increasing your monthly electric bill. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) doesn't want phantom energy to spook its customers.
Phantom energy is when electronics or appliances drain energy while not in use. For example, TVs, computers, phone chargers and washing machines will still use electricity if they are plugged in, but not actively being used.
Customers don't have to buy garlic or salt to keep energy phantoms from draining their wallets. Here are simple tips customers can incoporate around their homes.
Unplug electronic devices when not in use. Don’t just turn them off – unplug them from the wall. While this may be impractical for large appliances – it’s not for smaller items. Unplugging coffee makers, computers, printers and especially phone chargers when not in use could reduce energy usage by 10% for customers. Power Switches and Smart Plugs could also help. Power Switches allow customers to flip a switch to cut off power versus unplugging from the wall and a Smart Plug enables customers to control plugged in electronics and appliances via your phone.
Use an advanced power strip. When electronics, such as entertainment systems and lights, are plugged into an advanced power strip, it stops energy from flowing when not in use. SAFETY NOTE: Do not plug high-capacity appliances like refrigerators and washing machines into an advanced power strip.
Replace inefficient appliances. Aging appliances can be more costly than one would think. When purchasing a replacement, look for the ENERGY STAR logo and choose a capacity that’s right for the household. I&M offers instant discounts on select products at local retailers – including weatherstripping, LED nightlights and power strips. You can find a local store at electricideas.com/at-home/in-store-products.
Track your energy usage. I&M customers with a medidor inteligente can review their Weekly Energy Update (WEU). The report can show what times and how you use energy. To access your unique report, log into your I&M account and navigate to Account Settings. Customers can also adjust when to be notified of a high bill alert.
For additional energy-saving tips, head to ElectricIdeas.com/Home o ElectricIdeas.com/Work to find products, rebates and discounts.
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La sede de Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) se encuentra en Fort Wayne, y sus, aproximadamente, 2,000 empleados prestan servicios a más de 600,000 clientes. Más del 85% de la energía eléctrica que proporcionó en 2024 fue libre de emisiones. I&M tiene a su disposición diversas fuentes de generación, lo que incluye 2,278 MW de generación de energía nuclear en Michigan, 450 MW de generación de energía eólica comprada de Indiana, más de 22 MW de generación de energía hidráulica en los dos estados y, aproximadamente, 35 MW de generación de energía solar a gran escala en los dos estados. The company's generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
At American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, we understand that our customers and communities depend on safe, reliable and affordable power. Our nearly 17,000 employees operate and maintain more than 40,000 miles of transmission lines, the nation's largest electric transmission system, and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver power to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with nearly 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including approximately 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP is investing $43 billion over the next five years to make the electric grid cleaner and more reliable. We are on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and have a goal to achieve net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement and inclusion. La familia de compañías de AEP incluye a AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (en Virginia y Virginia Occidental), AEP Appalachian Power (en Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma y Southwestern Electric Power Company (en Arkansas, Louisiana, este de Texas y la región del Mango de Texas). AEP también es propietaria de AEP Energy, que brinda soluciones energéticas competitivas e innovadoras en todo el país. Para obtener más información, visite aep.com
CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Specialist, Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com