(NAPSI)—A growing number of consumers are getting the picture when it comes to energy and their cable box. Surprising as it may sound, a cable box uses energy even when you’re not watching TV. In fact, nearly two-thirds of energy use occurs when people are not watching TV or recording a show, costing Americans an estimated $2 billion each year. A home with two standard boxes can use more electricity than a new refrigerator. To help, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program is partnering with pay-TV service providers to offer energy-efficient set-top boxes to their customers. Qualified set-top boxes can power down when not in use and are designed to be at least 40 percent more energy efficient than other models. Experts say if every set-top box in the nation met ENERGY STAR requirements, it would save about $1.8 billion a year and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more, visit www.energystar.gov/products.   On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)

A new kind of cable box is designed to help save energy and money. (NAPS)