Can a faulty PSU use excessively much electricity?

[Selix]

Hey, I have a little suspicion recently, related to large electricity bills.

I read in the PSU faq that a PSU pulls more electricity from the wall than it gives to the components (efficiency %) and the rest is given off as heat.

Would it be possible for a 550W PSU with 75% efficiency, to malfunction (but still provide the components with electricity) in some way, and start pulling like 1000W from the wall, and give the rest off as heat?

I don't have any hardware to measure this btw.

 

[o1die]

Overclocking your cpu or video card will draw more current from the power supply. The 1000w rating doesn't effect the amount of electricity drawn. HIgher efficiency power supplies will save some energy; what % increase in your electric bill have you seen lately?