Standby power is the energy consumed by an appliance while plugged in but not performing its primary function. It can also be described as the minimum power an appliance consumes while it is still connected to the mains. 

Switch appliances off where you can instead of leaving them on standby.

Turn appliances off at the power point or unplug the ones you only use occasionally.

When you need to buy an appliance such as a fax machine, computer or printer, use the Energy Star label to assist your purchase decision.

In the future, the Energy Rating Label will also provide a figure showing the standby power consumption for appliances such as dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines etc.