1. Electrical Energy

2.  Electrical energy is the energy transferred to an electrical device by moving electrical charges. The energy used at home is measured in units called kilowatt hours (kWh).

3.  Most appliances have labels on them with the number of watts they use. Note that 1 kW = 1000 W. So, if an appliance with a rating of 1000 W is turned on for one hour, then 1 kWh of energy will have been used.

4.  A meter attached to the side of houses or apartment buildings is used to measure the amount of energy used. Smart Meters recently replaced old- style meters and keep track of the amount of energy used during each hour of the day. These meters allow companies to charge different rates at difference times of the day. The average cost for energy today is around 6.5¢/kWh.

5.  People can conserve energy by using more energy efficient appliances. The amount of energy an appliance uses in a typical year is shown on an EnerGuide Label. Sometimes, an appliance that uses less energy will cost more but over the life of the appliance, the lower energy bills make up for the difference.

6.  Another way to save electrical energy is to unplug devices when they are not being used. Some electrical devices remain in standby mode even when they are switched off. This use of electrical energy in standby mode is called a phantom load.