Beware of “Dirty Power” Device Scams
By Walter Fees, Manager of Engineering
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (October 12, 2026) I recently had a discussion with a member about “dirty electricity” and devices marketed as “energy savers.” It was the first time I had heard “dirty electricity” used in this context; I had not seen this type of marketing before. After that discussion and learning about these devices, I realized it is an important topic to share with Grand Valley Power members.
Unfortunately, the internet allows for most anyone to register a domain and create a web page that can be used to sell just about anything. Anything, including devices sold as “energy savers,” “power optimizers,” and “voltage regulators.” These devices are advertised with dramatic claims that they can slash electricity bills by large amounts of money. They use real, technical electrical terms such as “power factor” and “frequency.” They make convincing promises to save you money.
The appeal is obvious. We are all looking for ways to reduce our monthly bills, and an inexpensive device promising hundreds of dollars in savings can sound like a great solution. It would be an attractive alternative to legitimate but costly energy-efficient home improvements like insulation, double-pane windows, or new Energy Star appliances. Dirty electricity devices promise to control or correct “abnormalities” — the technical term is “reactive power” — that the marketers say could cause exaggerated energy bills. While there can be reactive power on the grid and within a home, your electric meter does not measure it. Your home meter measures only the active power that you use; you are billed for active power — measured in kilowatts and kilowatt-hours — not reactive power, which is measured in kVar.
Experts say consumers should be suspicious of products that promise extraordinary results without explaining how those savings are measured. In one YouTube video that calls these devices into question, the host cracked open the plastic box to reveal a few basic components — a tiny capacitor and surge protector plugged into a circuit board that powers an LED bulb. There was nothing measuring power or controlling electricity. Cheap energy-saving devices have been promoted for years, and the Federal Trade Commission warns that energy-saving claims must be supported by reliable evidence.
Consumer advocates recommend several basic precautions. Shoppers should research a company before buying, compare claims with information from trusted energy organizations, and be skeptical of advertisements promising extraordinary savings. Consumers should also avoid signing contracts under pressure and verify claims about government rebates or utility programs directly with the relevant agency or utility.
As for dirty power devices that promise they’ll save you money on your electricity bill, I urge you to do your research before spending your money. There are lots of good video reviews online and there are plenty of real consumer reviews out there. Like any scam, remember: If the deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.