Nation's First Energy Efficiency Standards For TVs Would Help Consumers, Environment, Group Testifies

A leading environmental group urged the California Energy Commission (CEC) to adopt the nation's first energy efficiency standards for big screen TVs that will save consumers money, cut energy use and reduce global warming pollution. The commission held a public hearing today on the standards and will vote on their adoption on November 4.

"Making TVs more energy efficient is a no-brainer because it can be done at no additional cost, will save consumers money, and help save the planet," said Lauren Navarro, an attorney for Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) based in Sacramento. "By proposing smart regulations that conserve electricity, drive industry innovation and are a win-win for our economy and our environment, California is again creating a model for the nation to follow."

The standards require new TVs sold in California with screens less than or equal to 58 inches to be 33 percent more efficient starting in 2011 and 49 percent more efficient starting in 2013. The agency proposed the standards last month following an 18-month public process that involved the TV industry, utilities, retailers, consumer groups and environmental organizations to ensure the requirements were technically feasible and can be met with no cost to manufacturers or consumers. More than 1,000 television models on the market today meet the 2011 standards, according the CEC.

"Experience shows that as the quality of TVs has improved, so has their efficiency," Navarro said. She added that TVs are one of the most electricity guzzling appliances that aren't subject to efficiency standards.

Consumers can expect to save $50-$250 in utility costs over the life of their TVs with these standards, based on agency estimates. That translates into a statewide total household savings of nearly $1 billion a year and an estimated $8.1 billion savings over a 10-year period. Savings represent the value of energy saved by televisions manufactured and sold after the standards go into effect in 2011 and 2013. It is equivalent to powering 864,000 single family homes annually.

TVs account for 10 percent of household electricity and their energy consumption rate is increasing eight percent annually. By using existing technology, manufacturers can design TVs that use less energy at no additional costs to consumers.

"Improving energy efficiency is the easiest and most cost-effective way to cut pollution and save consumers and businesses money," concluded Navarro. "We need to harness all energy efficiency opportunities as the State develops a comprehensive plan to meet the goals of our landmark Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)."

If the CEC approves the standards in November, they are expected to cut carbon dioxide pollution by 3.5 million metric tons, according to PG&E, one of the utilities that helped develop the standards.

Energy efficiency standards set by the CEC have helped keep California's per capita electricity consumption rate flat for more than 30 years, while the national rate grew 50 percent during the same time period.

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