diff --git a/esds/plugins/power_states.py b/esds/plugins/power_states.py
index 3b86cec..144deed 100644
--- a/esds/plugins/power_states.py
+++ b/esds/plugins/power_states.py
@@ -149,5 +149,9 @@ class PowerStatesComms(NodePlugin):
             consumption+=self.power[interface]["consumption_idle"]+self.power[interface]["consumption_dynamic"]
         return consumption
 
+    def get_idle(self,interface):
+        self.sync_idle()
+        return(self.power[interface]["consumption_idle"])
+  
     def report_energy(self):
         self.log("Communications consumed "+str(round(self.get_energy(),2))+"J")