4 July 2007
Gadgets such as flat-screen televisions and computers will be responsible for using nearly half of an average household's electricity supply by 2020, the Energy Savings Trust has predicted.
According to the conservation body's report entitled The Ampere Strikes Back, the current popularity of these sleek new modern designs hides the fact that many new hi-tech devices use much more energy than their traditional counterparts.
The Energy Savings Trust found flat screen TVs and digital radios are the main culprits in this energy wasting league as many cannot be switched off and some only have a standby option.
While a traditional analogue radio consumes two watts of energy, a digital radio uses around eight watts, the report's author Dr Paula Owen revealed.
Although the report's authors called for manufacturers and the government to take steps to increase energy efficiency, it also encouraged consumers to think about turning devices off and choosing their next gadget carefully.
"Not only are there many more devices in the typical home, but many of them are in a permanent state of readiness to swing into action," Energy Savings Trust Chief Executive, Philip Sellwood, said.
"Think about how you are using appliances and turn equipment off when not needed as well as rein in the impulse to hoard equipment that has already been replaced."