Introduction
Updated December 2023: This guide addresses two critical challenges for Tether (USDT) users on the TRON network:
- Resolving the "Out of Energy" error during transfers.
- Slashing TRC20 network fees by up to 80% through optimized energy management.
Part 1: Solving the "Out of Energy" Error
Root Cause
Transferring Tether (or any TRON token) consumes "energy." Insufficient energy triggers the "Failed – out of energy" error on TronScan.
Solutions
- Update Ledger Live: Desktop versions now cap fees at 50 TRX; mobile fixes pending.
- Maintain Minimum TRX Balance: Hold at least 20–50 TRX in your wallet to cover energy costs.
- Freeze/Stake TRX: Generate energy by staking TRX (see staking guide).
👉 Learn how to stake TRX for energy
Part 2: Cutting Tether Transfer Fees by 80%
Why Fees Are High
- Default TRC20-USDT fees: 13.74–27.6 TRX (~$1.50–$3.00).
- Fees spike during network congestion.
Energy-Leasing Technique
Instead of burning TRX, use pre-paid energy/bandwidth to reduce fees to 3 TRX (~$0.30).
Steps to Lease Energy
- Choose a Leasing Platform: Rent energy for 1 or 24 hours.
- Transfer TRX: Send 3 TRX to the platform; receive 32,000 energy units in seconds.
- Send USDT: Energy covers fees, slashing costs by 80%.
Example:
- Without leasing: 27 TRX ($3.00).
- With leasing: 3 TRX ($0.30).
👉 Compare energy-leasing providers
Key Takeaways
| Issue | Solution | Cost Savings |
|-------|----------|-------------|
| "Out of Energy" error | Stake TRX or update Ledger Live | Avoid failed transactions |
| High TRC20 fees | Lease energy or stake TRX | Up to 80% reduction |
FAQ
Q: Is energy leasing safe?
A: Yes—platforms stake TRX upfront; you only pay for what you use.
Q: How long does leased energy last?
A: 1 hour or 24 hours, depending on the plan.
Q: Can I use this for other TRON tokens?
A: Absolutely. The method works for all TRC20 tokens.
Q: Why does the recipient’s wallet affect energy cost?
A: New USDT addresses require 64,895 energy (vs. 32,000 for existing addresses).
Final Tips
- Always keep backup TRX for emergencies.
- Monitor network congestion—fees fluctuate.
- Stake TRX long-term if you frequently transfer USDT.
Need help? Contact Ledger’s support team or join our advanced training course for hands-on guidance.