Best Buy warns consumers about 'vampire power'

MINNEAPOLIS Best Buy has launched a new campaign to educate consumers on "vampire power," or electricity that is used when consumer electronics are switched off or in standby mode.

According to the Department of Energy, vampire powere wastes an estimated $4 billion in the United States annually and this figure could rise by 20% by 2010.

In order to help consumers reduce wasteful electricity, Best Buy is offering tips including using a power strip for chargers and then switching it off when they aren't in use, unplugging devices when not in use, turning off the computer instead of leaving it in sleep mode and using Energy Star products.

"Reducing vampire power is a small change that can result in big savings for people who need easy, cost-effective ways to be sustainable in a volatile economy," said Paula Prahl, senior vp - communications, public affairs and corporate responsibility. "Our team of Best Buy Blue Shirt experts will help arm consumers with the information needed to rid their homes of vampires."