Most of us think about saving energy by turning off lights and adjusting thermostats. But the tech devices we now rely on every day, such as streaming boxes, routers, smart home devices, and phone chargers, don’t really work that way. They’re all continuing to use power even after we’ve turned off the TV, logged off the internet, or pulled the phone from the charger.
Modern devices are designed to be always connected. Streaming devices are checking for updates, smart speakers sit quietly waiting for voice commands, and routers run continuously to keep everything connected even if no one is home. “Always on” is now a normal part of connected living.
It’s nice and convenient for us, but it comes with a tradeoff. Most people don’t realize that even when devices are not being used, they’re still pulling power for background functions. These hidden energy costs seem small, but across multiple devices, and over weeks, months and years, they quietly add up.
The Rise of Connected Homes and Tech Use
Between remote work, streaming services, gaming, and smart home automation, a home can have dozens of devices connected at the same time. This isn’t a bad thing; it reflects how much technology has improved daily life. But it does mean that our devices are using far more energy than most of us realize.
In the U.S., consumer technology devices now account for roughly 12% of residential electricity use. Increased streaming, always-on connectivity, and more time spent working from home all contribute to that rising demand. Even devices that are rarely used still draw power just by being plugged in. And as more households adopt smart thermostats, security systems, and connected appliances, that usage will only keep climbing.
It’s not just a household issue, either. Utilities and electric providers are working to keep up with that demand while also modernizing their own infrastructure for better energy efficiency. As more connected devices come online, they add another layer to how much energy is consumed and managed across homes and communities.
Smarter Connectivity Enables Smarter Energy Use
The good news is it doesn’t all have to work against you. Many of the same technologies causing increased energy usage can also help reduce it, especially when supported by reliable internet connectivity:
- Smart thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling based on daily waking and sleeping schedules or even whether someone is home, saving energy without any extra effort.
- Smart meters and utility apps give homeowners real-time insight into their energy use and show them exactly where power is being wasted.
- Connected plugs and advanced power strips (APS) effectively eliminate the so-called “vampire” or “phantom” energy use by cutting power to devices that are turned off or in standby mode. These devices, including TVs, computers, and chargers, can waste up to 10% of household energy when they’re idle, which these strips prevent.
Over time, these tools help homeowners understand how and when their devices use power, without giving up the convenience of staying connected. As broadband networks continue to evolve, more households can take advantage of these capabilities.
Many of these energy-saving tools rely on consistent, real-time connectivity to work effectively. Automation, remote monitoring, and usage tracking all depend on a stable internet connection. Fiber-based networks support high-capacity, reliable connections that enable multiple devices and applications to run efficiently at the same time.
This kind of connectivity doesn’t just support entertainment or work; it also helps power the systems that make homes more efficient overall.
Efficient Infrastructure Matters
As more devices come online, the efficiency of the underlying network infrastructure also becomes more important.
Modern networks like fiber are designed to deliver high-capacity connectivity while using less energy compared to older technologies. In fact, fiber networks are widely recognized as one of the more energy-efficient broadband options available, helping support rising demand without a surge in energy use. Fiber further enables the use of energy-saving technologies throughout the home, from automation systems to real-time monitoring tools.
While newer technologies continue to evolve, including satellite-based services like low Earth orbit (LEO) networks, fiber remains the reliable source for supporting both connectivity and energy-conscious applications.
Small Changes Add Up
Reducing the energy costs of technology doesn’t require major changes. Small adjustments like scheduling on and off times for devices, unplugging unused equipment, or using smart control devices can make a big difference over time.
With a few connected tools and reliable fiber internet from Geneseo Communications, it’s possible to reduce overall energy use while still enjoying the convenience of today’s connected lifestyle.