This paper presents the first study of standby power use and its saving potential in China. Standby power use refers to power consumed by appliances when they are switched off or are not providing their intended functions. Appliances in 28 urban Chinese homes were surveyed and standby power use was measured. The combined standby power use was about 29 W per home. However, many occupants unplug appliances when not in use, so standby energy use accounts for 50-200 kWh per year in an average urban home. Residential standby power consumption in China requires the electrical output equivalent of at least six 500 MW power plants. Levels of standby power use in Chinese homes are below those observed in developed countries but still high in part because Chinese appliances have higher standby than similar products in developed countries. Existing technologies are available to greatly reduce standby power at low costs. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.