Energy exists in many forms and can be converted from one form to another. However, this conversion is not 100% efficient, and energy is lost in the form of heat during conversion. In addition, approximately 6% of the monthly consumption of the average American household's electricity is neither lost nor used by its residents. These losses are called phantom loads, also known as electrical leakage. They are the power consumed by electronic devices and appliances when they are switched off or in standby mode. In this article, the authors describe three activities that introduce the concept of phantom loads and ways to decrease electricity losses. After completing the activities, students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of phantom loads, methods for measuring them, and ways to keep them to a minimum to reduce energy waste. (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables, and 2 activity sheets.)