What is plug power?

What is plug power?

Plug power refers to the electricity used by everyday devices like computers, monitors, printers, and hot water taps that are connected to power sockets or fused spurs.

It's also known as small power, plug load or miscellaneous electric load. Essentially, anytime you plug in a device to an electrical outlet, you are tapping into small power.

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Understanding its impact

Plug power might seem insignificant compared to large-scale energy consumption, but its collective impact may be surprising. In fact, it adds up to a substantial portion of total electricity usage in most commercial and office buildings, accounting for a staggering 40%.

Even more concerning, up to half of this power is wasted when devices are left on standby or unused overnight, weekends, or even during meetings. This constant drain adds up quickly, impacting both your budget and the environment by creating unnecessary carbon emissions.

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Short-term solutions

While you consider long-term solutions, here are some simple actions you can take in the interim to minimise plug power waste:

• Turn it off: Encourage employees to power down computers and monitors when not in use, even for short breaks. This simple change can significantly reduce wasted energy.
• Embrace the power strip: Equip workstations with power strips that allow employees to easily switch off multiple devices at once, eliminating standby power drain.
• Upgrade to efficiency: When replacing office equipment, prioritise models with energy-saving features. This small investment can lead to substantial cost savings over time.