AT&T to sell energy-efficient charger for wireless devices

AT&T Inc. is introducing a cell phone charger this spring designed to be more energy efficient by eliminating the so-called phantom use of electricity in standby mode.

The Zero Charger will sense when a wireless phone is not plugged into it and stop using power from a wall socket, AT&T and Superior Communications said Wednesday.

Whether it's a wireless device charger or a computer or television, many appliances currently use standby power to run features if the power cord is plugged into a socket but the device isn't in use.

The charger, which has a five-star efficiency rating, is expected to sell for $29.99 and will be in AT&T retail stores in May, AT&T spokesman Steven Schwadron said.

It will work with many phones offered by AT&T and other carriers.

AT&T developed the charger with wireless products manufacturer Superior Communications, which is headquartered in Irwindale, Calif.