TV Energy Efficiency Regulation in CA

Today the LA Times is reporting that California state regulators are drafting the nation’s first rules requiring retailers to sell only the most energy efficient models, starting in 2011.

The California Energy Commission is looking for ways to relieve the strain on the power grid. Officials claim the potential energy savings would equal the annual energy consumption of 86,400 homes. Televisions currently account for about 10% of the average Californian’s household electricity bill.

The Consumer Electronics Association is concerned that the standards will have a negative impact on the television industry especially if the standards could not be met in time. Energy Commission member Arthur Rosenfeld noted that 87% of current stock complies with the planned 2011 threshold, and that the deadline could get pushed back if the industry needs a little more time “to get used to the standards,” he said.

Although the regulations would not directly affect Illinois, the television manufacturers would be forced to weigh the added costs of producing one kind of TV for CA and another for everyone else. The consumer population of California may be large enough to push the industry toward a more energy efficient future.


For more check out the LA Times article here.