New Energy Efficiency Rules For TVs Sold In California

petehead writes "The LA Times reports on regulations expected to pass in 2009 that will not allow energy-inefficient TVs to be sold in the state. 'State regulators are getting ready to curb the growing power gluttony of TV sets by drafting the nation's first rules requiring retailers to sell only the most energy-efficient models, starting in 2011... The regulations would be phased in over two years, with a first tier taking effect on Jan. 1, 2011, and a more stringent, second tier on Jan. 1, 2013.'" According to the Energy Commission's estimates, purchasers of Tier 1-compliant TVs would shave an average of $18.48 off their residential electric bill in the first year of ownership.

Comments

Yet Another

[kenp2002]

Yet another revenue stream disguised as a certifcation process....

Re:Yet Another

[jimmyswimmy]

According to wikipedia, California held the 9th largest economy in the world (compared to entire countries) in 2006. Were manufacturers to decide not to sell their wares in CA to avoid regulations would result in their forfeiting sales opportunities the size of Canada or Spain. That would be simply foolish.

These "silly regulations" often lead to positive change. For example, the tag on the side of all of your pillows which scratches my itchy nose at night. Or clean air regulations, which were driven largely as a result of smog in California cities.

I'm no fan of regulation, preferring voluntary programs like Energy Star (which promote buyers to consider energy efficiency by providing a readable energy cost rating). But the free market doesn't always provide consumers with the choices they desire on its own, either. A reasonable compromise - like Energy Star - often works well. I'd love to see standby and operating power usage displayed on the box - like the big yellow tag when you buy a new boiler or dishwasher.

How about cable and sat boxes that can power down

[Joe The Dragon]

How about cable and sat boxes that can power down more then they do now and DRV's that spin down the HD when they are off and have no planed shows coming up.

Re:How about cable and sat boxes that can power do

[smprather]

I measured my DirecTV HR20 DVR with a KillAWatt. On: 41W Off: 40W

Re:Who is paying for my electricity, anyways?

[TheOriginalRevdoc]

You're not paying for the external cost of generating the electricity, which is the problem. Those external costs include mercury and CO2 emissions from coal-fired plants. I suppose if those costs were tacked on to your power bill you'd have a case.