California legislates TV power consumption

Californian regulators have introduced legislation to ban sales of power hungry TVs. In a 5-0 vote, the Energy Commission approved new Appliance Efficiency Regulations that will require new TVs sold in California to consume 33 percent less electricity by 2011 and 49 percent less electricity by 2013.

Under the new rules, new 42" TVs must use less than 183W by 2011 and less than 116W by 2013. The new standards apply to new TVs up to 58 inches, those larger than 58 inches were left out in a concession to sellers of home-theater TVs.

The average plasma TV uses three-times as much energy as a traditional set. The commission estimates that switching to more efficient TVs will save an average of $30 per set per year and $8.1 billion in electricity bills statewide over the first decade. The regulations go into place for televisions sold after Jan. 1, 2011, and will reflect similar regulations the state has put on refrigerators, air conditioners and dozens of other household appliances since the 1970s.

"The real winners of these new TV energy efficiencies are California consumers who will be saving billions of dollars and conserving energy while preserving their choice to buy any size or type of TV," said Energy Commission Chairman Karen Douglas.

More info at Reuters.