When first electrical devices were designed, created and sold to the end user, nobody thought about the side-effects of using it their applications. This is because the purpose of using the device was very important at that time. As time progressed many devices are getting developed simply for the purpose of developing another new device or to do some complex task. But often neglected is the power that is consumed when the device is left powered under no use condition.
The problem has grown to such an extent that the competition in the market put pressure on the developers of these devices, to reduce their costs or operating costs. In whatever manner possible. That is what is driving the need for reducing the standby power of these devices.
The odd thing to note is that many environmentalists have started suggesting to reduce this power when the device is not in use. This will help save the environment from global warming effects. But the real motivator for reducing standby power is still the commercial purpose and not green environment.
That said is a part on the developer. But the consumer had his essential role in standby power consumption. Simply using a switchable multiple socket for connecting various power devices and switching them off when not in use will save a great deal of power. The estimation is that annually 5% of total electric household power consumed as waste in standby mode. These estimates have risen to 13% over years.
One needs to be power aware when using electric devices in the present scenario.
