https://utilityexplained.com/tags/phantom-power/Recent content in Phantom Power on Utility ExplainedHugoen-usMon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/phantom-power-draw-explained/Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/phantom-power-draw-explained/<div class="affiliate-disclosure" style="background:#f8fafc;border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:0.5rem;padding:1rem 1.25rem;margin:1.5rem 0;font-size:0.85rem;color:#64748b;"> <strong style="color:#475569;">Disclosure:</strong> Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations — see our <a href="https://utilityexplained.com/about/">affiliate policy</a>. </div> <h2 id="quick-answer">Quick Answer</h2> <p><strong>Phantom power (also called standby power or vampire draw) is electricity consumed by devices that are plugged in but turned off or in standby mode.</strong> It costs the average U.S. household <strong>$100–$200 per year</strong> — typically <strong>5–10% of your total electric bill</strong>.</p>