Kenya Power Warns Standby Appliances Could Be Increasing Your Electricity Bill

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has warned consumers that leaving household appliances in standby mode could be inflating their monthly electricity bills by as much as 10 per cent.

KPLC flagged the concern in a public notice, urging Kenyans to take a closer look at what their appliances do when they appear to be switched off but are still plugged in.

“Did you know that standby mode can account for up to 10% of your electricity consumption? Make one simple change: Switch off and unplug!” KPLC stated.

This occurrence is commonly referred to as ‘phantom power’ or ‘vampire power,’ and occurs when plugged-in devices continue drawing electricity even after a user has turned them off.

According to KPLC, this silent power drain can collectively add 5-15 per cent to a household’s monthly electricity bill, a figure that can make a real difference for families already stretched by the high cost of living.

The main culprits in most Kenyan homes are televisions, decoders, smart speakers, kitchen appliances like freezers, and gaming consoles, which remain active in the background to allow instant startup.

Microwaves, washing machines, and electric ovens also contribute to the problem by continuously powering their digital clocks, display screens, and internal control boards, even when no one is using them.

Chargers are another major drain. Mobile phone, laptop, and cordless tool chargers contain internal transformers that continue to draw current even when no device is connected.

KPLC’s advice to consumers to always press the off button on a remote control is not enough. Consumers are being urged to physically switch off sockets at the wall to fully cut the power supply to these devices.

“Simply pressing the power button on a remote often leaves a device in passive standby. You must physically turn off the wall socket,” stated KPLC.

This advice is not enough either. To avoid power leakage when power bills are at an all-time high, households can also install power strips with on-off switches. These devices allow several appliances to be disconnected simultaneously, making it easier to cut off power without individually unplugging each gadget after use.

Consumers can also identify appliances with standby indicators, digital clocks, or remote-control functions, as they often consume electricity around the clock. Regularly checking such devices helps homeowners pinpoint hidden energy drains and reduce wastage.

Likewise, smart plugs and energy – monitoring devices provide another practical solution. These tools track electricity consumption and can automatically disconnect appliances during periods of inactivity, helping families improve energy efficiency while lowering monthly power expenses.