The presence of Alexa It has continued to grow in Spanish homes and, for many, has become an essential daily assistant. However, in a context of continuously rising electricity prices, The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has focused on the energy consumption of this type of device., questioning whether keeping them always operational can end up literally taking its toll on users' pockets.
Many families find Alexa a versatile helper. to manage everyday tasks: from providing weather forecasts, playing music, or reminding you of appointments, to controlling other smart home devices. However, what few people consider is the true cost of having this speaker always connected to the power supply, especially when compared to other small appliances or devices in standby mode.
Alexa's energy consumption: a figure that few know
According to data collected by the OCU, Alexa —Amazon's popular virtual assistant— can consume up to 26 kWh per year, even when apparently at rest. This expense, which represents about 24 additional euros per year on the electricity bill, places Alexa among the household gadgets that can consume the most electricity in relation to its size, only behind large consumers such as the gas boiler.
This cost may seem affordable, But the OCU insists that it is important to take this into account, especially in summer or periods of high electricity consumption, when general household spending soars. The cost of keeping multiple smart devices permanently connected can become even more pronounced. in the current context of rising electricity rates.
Why is it an 'invisible' expense?
One of the risks of voice assistants like Alexa is that their standby power consumption can easily go unnoticed, just like with other modern electronic devices. They remain attentive to voice commands 24 hours a day, which means they never stop consuming energy, even if you don't interact with them for hours or even days. This silent consumption, multiplied by each smart device in the home, constitutes what the OCU calls "invisible expenses," responsible for inflating your electricity bill.
The OCU's recommendation is not to underestimate these small recurring expenses, and to be aware that keeping Alexa always on has a cost that, added to the cost of other continuously used devices, may be more significant than it appears at first glance.
Practical tips for saving energy with Alexa
While Alexa's convenience is undeniable, there are several simple ways to reduce its impact on your electric bill without sacrificing its benefits. Turn off the assistant when not in use for long periods., such as at night or when the home is empty, is one of the most effective measures. In fact, many users keep the device plugged in out of habit, when simply unplugging it occasionally could save a few euros a year.
It is also useful disable functions that are not strictly necessary, such as light alerts, unnecessary notifications, or certain automatic connections. Adjusting your settings to limit the brightness of the light rings or the use of notifications can help optimize your energy consumption. Finally, it's a good idea to periodically check for software updates that improve your energy efficiency.
Does Alexa lose its usefulness if efficient use is applied?
The way we use Alexa can be perfectly adapted to a more responsible and efficient use. Reducing electricity consumption does not mean losing functionality.Simply put, it's about planning your power-on process better and taking advantage of all the device's configuration options. Many households choose to centralize Alexa activity at specific times of the day, turning it off when not needed and reserving it for truly useful uses.
A more conscious and optimized use of Alexa allows you to enjoy its benefits by helping you control your electricity bill. The assistant can continue to make everyday life easier, as long as certain precautions are taken to prevent "small" usage costs from adding up to significant amounts throughout the year. This way, families can continue to have a smart home without worrying about their electricity bills.