TV Efficiency Standards Pending in California

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Environmental Groups Call for Prompt Adoption of Efficiency Standards

Environment California

Sacramento – The California Energy Commission (CEC) held a hearing today on energy efficiency standards for televisions sold in California. The standards, a first ever for televisions, would save consumers an estimated $1 billion per year, cut smog-forming air pollution by 876 tons per year and cut global warming pollution by more than 3 million tons per year, winning the praise of Environment California and several other leading environmental groups.

“Energy efficiency provides the fastest, cheapest, cleanest source of energy out there,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, clean energy advocate for Environment California. “California must continue to prioritize energy efficiency as we move toward a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy.”
 
High-definition televisions are rapidly becoming the single largest demand for electricity within the home. Over the past several years, the total energy used by TVs has increased steadily according to a study by PG&E. Today, TVs and associated electronics make up approximately 10% of the energy consumption in a home according to the CEC.  More than 4 million TVs are sold in California each year according to the CEC.
 
“HDTVs are becoming the hummer of the home,” warned Del Chiaro. “It is high time California take on the TV industry in adopting basic energy efficiency standards that will save consumers money and help protect our environment.”
 
The California Energy Commission considered today a staff proposal to make all television sets sold in California meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by 2013. Public comments will be accepted through November 2nd. A second hearing is expected on November 4th where the commission may vote on the proposed standards.