Is Your Home Safe From Zombie Attacks This Halloween?

Toronto, ON (10/20/2011) - Canadian households may be caught up in a zombie apocalypse; a zombie electronics apocalypse that is. Zombie electronics invade the home, taking advantage of families who suffer from a lack of understanding of standby power and how it affects energy conservation. According to a recent survey conducted by Angus Reid for Direct Energy, the majority (64 per cent) of Canadian homeowners said they don't even know how much they pay for electricity.

Zombie electronics mindlessly consume energy as they sit silently on counters, television stands and desktops. Zombie electronics and appliances are devices that gorge away energy even when turned off. These monster electronics can be found in the form of iPods, computers, and plasma TVs. Their subtle attacks can add up to a significant drain on household budgets.

"Protecting homes from zombie electronics is a very easy do-it-yourself energy efficiency measure which all Canadians can take part in," explains Dave Walton, Director of Home Ideas for Direct Energy. "Simple defensive moves against zombie electronics can save the average Canadian household 5 to 10 percent of its electricity consumption*. But the most important step is to be aware of where the zombies are located in your home, and how they impact your energy bills."

If the DVD player has an evil green or red glow, even when turned off, it's absorbing electricity. The digital clocks on the microwave, stove, home theatre system? They're zombie electronics too. Got the computer set to "sleep mode"? Another zombie, consuming energy in its "sleep".

Unlike the trick-or-treaters, zombie electronics won't go away after Halloween. It's time for Canadians to fight back against zombie electronic attacks! Direct Energy offers advice and tips to prevent zombie electronics from sticking you with a frightening energy bill - such as:

* When done charging devices such as a cell phone, portable mp3 player or electric tools, disconnect the device and unplug the charger because even if the device isn't connected, energy continues to seep out through the charger itself.
* Unplug all major appliances when heading out on vacation. Even when devices like the microwave, stove and washing machine aren't in use their LED panels continue to suck energy.
* Turn all computers and monitors off. Though this equipment may convert to sleep mode, it keeps draining power.
* Rather than leaving a light on to deter burglars, install a timer. This way your lights are on for only a short period rather than all day.
* Purchase a power strip that can turn several appliances off at the same time. This can be more convenient than plugging-in and un-plugging appliances in hard-to-reach places around your home.

Taking simple steps like these can help conserve energy around the home and save a few dollars on the annual energy bill. For more information on how to combat zombie electronics, visit Direct Energy's Blog , Twitter and Facebook pages.

* According to Natural Resources Canada

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over six million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 US states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

For further information, please contact:

Emily Richardson
Direct Energy
1-416-758-8979
emily.richardson@directenergy.com