Two identical conducting spheres of radius \(R\) are separated by a center-to-center distance \(d \gg R\). Initially, one sphere carries a net charge \(Q_0\) and the other sphere is neutral, giving the two-sphere system an initial total electrostatic potential energy \(U_0\). A thin wire of negligible electrical resistance connects the two spheres, allowing charge to transfer until a new electrostatic equilibrium is reached, resulting in a final total electrostatic potential energy of \(\dfrac{1}{2}U_0\). Which of the following statements best explains why the final electrostatic potential energy is less than the initial electrostatic potential energy?