Do Appliances Use Electricity When Plugged in But Turned Off?

A frequently asked question, especially for people looking to save some money on their bills, is whether appliances use electricity when plugged in but turned off, and the answer is yes. According to estimates from the US Department of Energy, as much as 10% of appliance energy usage occurs while the device is “off.” (Devices that draw electricity from the grid while “off” are referred to as “energy vampires.”)