Mr. Stewart says a big source of waste is the approximately 6 per cent of the electricity used in typical homes by devices that consume power even when turned off.

Energy experts have dubbed this waste phantom load. The most common culprits are VCRs, which constantly draw six or seven watts to run their electric clocks or instant-on features, along with answering machines, lights and telephones with the big cube-like plugs.
—Martin Mittelstaedt, "Slow down the meter to save on power bills," The Globe and Mail, November 26, 2003

Phantom loads: Hidden energy loads, such as the clock on a coffee maker, video recorders on standby, computers, and television instant-on features, can result in high energy bills.

The consumption from these hidden phantom loads in the United States is said to equal the electricity use of Greece, Peru, and Vietnam combined. When an appliance is not in use, switch it off at the wall.
—"Energy savers the real stars," The Christchurch Press, September 11, 2001

When it is necessary to conserve battery power, unplug both the TV and VCP or VCR when they are not in use. Both these units draw some current even though they are turned off. Over a period of time the batteries can become drained from these phantom loads.
—Bill and Jan Moeller, "VCR or VCP, what ever fits is worth it," The Washington Times, June 26, 1992