TV Efficiency Standards
In November, California became the first state to adopt minimum efficiency standards for new televisions. The new rules require manufacturers to cut the power televisions use by one-third in two years and in half by 2013 by setting wattage ceilings. With TV manufacturers gearing up to meet the CA standard, now is the time for Washington to adopt the same energy efficiency standards.
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Why will the standard be good for Washington?
Why will the standard be good for Washington?Energy efficiency is the cheapest and cleanest way to meet our growing demand for energy and this standard will ensure every TV sold in Washington is energy efficient.
- In 2020, these efficiency standards will save Washington consumers about $24.8 million per year on their energy bills. Energy savings will be an estimated 45 annual average megawatts – equivalent to the average output of about 60 wind turbines. (source: Appliance Standards Awareness Project)
- Consumers ultimately win by purchasing energy-efficient products not only because it will lower their utility bills, but also because their conservation efforts will reduce the need to spend money on new power plants.
Why TVs?
TV energy use has been rising dramatically here in the Northwest, there are more TVs per home than people! There are no federal energy-efficiency requirements for televisions, which — as they have become larger and fancier — use about 43% more energy than older tube TVs and more than some refrigerators. TVs and various settop boxes account for as much as 10 percent of household energy use and represent one of the largest unregulated appliances in the home.
Why a standard?
If Washington adopts the TV standards we can help accelerate market transformation in the country – and avoid industry ‘dumping’ inefficient TVs in our market. And a good standard is a consumer protection measure – allowing consumers to focus on choosing the product that is best for them without having to also spend time researching energy consumption. Because California’s standard is already in place, Washington consumers will see no incremental cost to TVs.
How will the standard work?
The standards are performance based and technology neutral. The greater the screen size the more power the TV is allowed to use. The standards will allow the sale of any type of TV including LCDs and plasmas, and won’t limit screen size.
How will the standard effect product availability?
Consumers will still be able to choose from a wide range of TV sizes, technologies and price points with equal or better performance than today’s models. The standard provides manufacturers with complete flexibility on how they design their products.
