The Hidden Power Hogs Anything with a remote control, digital clock, light, or standby feature likely keeps sipping electricity 24/7. Common culprits include TVs, cable boxes, microwaves, gaming consoles, and phone chargers. The Impact of Phantom Load Phantom load is more than just a nuisance; it can significantly affect your monthly expenses. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that idle electricity use costs U.S. households over $19 billion per year . This stagg