Energy Panel Sets Tough Standards for California TVs

The California Energy Commission voted unanimously to adopt strict energy efficiency standards for new televisions sold in the state. The tough standards are the first in the nation for TVs, and the payoff is a bit of a surprise.

 

The new standards are expected to save $8.1 billion in energy costs within 10 years, according to the commission. California electric utility Pacific Gas & Electric has estimated that the standards would cut carbon dioxide emissions by three million metric tons over the same time period.

 

The standards apply to new high-definition sets of up to 58 inches. As of January 1, 2011, the energy consumption of those new sets will need to be reduced by a third. By January 1, 2013, those TVs will need to achieve a cumulative energy savings of 50%.

 

The standards don't apply to the roughly 35 million sets now in California or those that will be sold in 2010.

 

Regulating energy efficiency of appliances is, of course, not new. California has been regulating energy efficiency of a variety of appliances since 1977.

 

Also, numerous energy efficiency conservation programs designed to alert consumers to the power consumption of new appliances have been around here for years. Most consumers are familiar with the Energy Star energy efficiency labels on computers, appliances and other products. That program originated in the U.S. in 1992 and has since been adopted by Canada, Japan and other countries.

 

And it's not all bad news for TV makers. The commission noted that more than 1,000 models now on the market already meet the tough California standards.

 

But of course not everyone is happy about the new standards. The Consumer Electronics Association, a major trade group, criticized the standards as bad policy that was dangerous for the California economy and consumer freedom.

   Quick Take: Of course not everyone is happy about the new California energy efficiency standards. However, it looks like at least some manufacturers realize that while people may want those big flat-panel TVs, prospective buyers may be feeling guilty about the massive amounts of power they guzzle. The standards are supporting a key component of Smart Grid technology: conservation.

   Los Angeles Times news article

   Channel Web news article

   Smart Grid Policy & Regulation resources on SGN