low power setting on VHF xts3k

[ai4ui]

Probably a dumb question, but...

Regarding the tx power setting on the xts 3000.

I have the radio configured to select low or high power in the menu. Does selecting low power reduce battery consumption?

The astro radio tuner program refers to an attenuator to set the power. I am wondering if selecting low power simply increases attenuation or if it reduces current to the PA.

I see no obvious difference in battery life, although I don't do a whole lot of transmitting.

Thanks