You've probably seen the ads. They're everywhere—Facebook, sketchy news-style sites, even your inbox. They feature a very serious-looking Elon Musk, usually standing in front of a factory or holding a document, claiming he’s discovered a "secret" way to slash your power bill by 90%. It sounds like a dream. But honestly? It's a nightmare for your wallet.
The product is called Pro Power Save, and it’s a classic example of how scammers use celebrity faces to push products that don't actually work.
Elon Musk has zero connection to this device. He didn't invent it. He doesn't endorse it. Tesla isn't manufacturing it. In fact, most of the images you see of Musk "holding" the device are cheap AI-generated fakes or Photoshop jobs from 2014 news conferences.
What is Pro Power Save anyway?
At its core, the Pro Power Save is a small plastic box that you plug into a wall outlet. The marketing claims it "stabilizes" your electricity, removes "dirty power," and protects your appliances from surges. They say it uses advanced "Tesla technology" to make your home more efficient.
It's basically a shell.
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Inside, if you crack one open—which electrical engineers like Chris Sistrunk have done—you won't find revolutionary tech. You'll find a small capacitor, a couple of resistors, and an LED light to make you think it’s "working." That green glow isn't saving you money; it's actually consuming a tiny bit of electricity itself.
The "science" they use to sell this is something called Power Factor Correction.
Now, this is a real thing. Large factories with massive motors use big banks of capacitors to improve their power factor because they are billed for "apparent power" (kVA). But you? You're a residential customer. Your utility company bills you for "real power" (kWh). Even if this little plastic box did improve your power factor—which it doesn't—it wouldn't change your bill by a single cent because your meter doesn't even track the thing the device is trying to "fix."
The fake stories and the Department of Justice "win"
The scammers have gotten incredibly bold lately. They’ve started circulating fake news reports claiming the Department of Justice (DOJ) tried to sue Musk over this device but then "formally withdrew" the accusations after seeing how well it worked.
It’s total nonsense.
The DOJ has never had a case involving an "electricity-saving invention" by Musk. They did sue SpaceX over hiring practices and have requested documents from Tesla for other reasons, but those have nothing to do with a $40 plug-in box.
They also love to use a "sob story." You might see a post about a 64-year-old Tesla employee named "Dorothy Smith" who died of heatstroke after her power was cut off, supposedly inspiring Musk to create this device. The photo used for this story? It’s actually of actor Lew Palter and his daughter. The scammers just pull random photos and invent names to tug at your heartstrings.
Why people keep falling for it
People are desperate. Electricity prices are through the roof. When someone tells you that you can "stop being scammed by big energy companies" for a one-time payment of $49, it's a tempting offer.
The ads are also designed to look like legitimate journalism. They use fake NBC or CNN logos and "testimonials" from people who claim their bills dropped from $400 to $40.
But look at the reviews on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Over 90% of them are one-star warnings. People report that after months of using the device, their bills stayed exactly the same—or even went up slightly.
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Is it even safe?
This is the part that actually worries me. It's one thing to lose fifty bucks; it's another thing for your house to catch fire.
Independent testing by organizations like Electrical Safety First and local Trading Standards groups has shown these devices are often dangerous. Because they are cheaply made in factories with zero oversight, they often lack proper insulation or safety fuses.
- Fire Hazards: The capacitors can overheat and melt the plastic housing.
- Shock Risks: Some models have been found to have live parts that are easily accessible.
- Socket Damage: They can actually damage your wall outlet due to poor construction.
A "money-saving" gadget isn't worth much if it burns down your living room.
How to actually lower your bill (the boring truth)
If you really want to save money on power, there is no magic plug-in box. It takes a little more effort than that.
The IRS actually offers a 30% tax credit for real energy-efficient home improvements. We're talking about things like better insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. These are proven to work, and the government will literally pay you to do it.
You can also start with the small stuff. LED bulbs use a fraction of the power of old incandescents. Unplugging "vampire" devices like gaming consoles or older TVs when you aren't using them can save you a few bucks a month. A smart thermostat is probably the single best investment you can make; it actually pays for itself in a year or two by managing your HVAC system more efficiently.
Actionable steps you can take today
Don't buy the Pro Power Save. If you already did, try to get a chargeback through your bank, but don't count on the "company" giving you a refund. They often use shell companies in countries where it's impossible to track them down.
- Check your meter: If you're a residential customer, you are billed for kWh. No "power factor" device will change this.
- Get a Home Energy Audit: Most utility companies offer these for free or at a massive discount. A pro will come to your house and show you exactly where the air is leaking out.
- Report the ads: If you see these "Elon Musk" ads on social media, report them as a scam. It helps the platforms take them down faster.
- Invest in UL-listed gear: If you want surge protection, buy a legitimate surge protector from a reputable brand like APC or Belkin. It won't save you money on your bill, but it will actually protect your computer.
The dream of a "free energy" device is as old as electricity itself. Scammers just keep updating the face of the pitchman. Yesterday it was "a kid from MIT," today it's Elon Musk. Tomorrow it'll be someone else. Stay skeptical.