With EnergyGuide, labeling TVs for energy use

The same yellow EnergyGuide labels that are affixed to large appliances in store displays will be soon be plastered on new TVs, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced yesterday.

All televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 must clearly display their estimated annual energy cost. The decision was made due to the fact that televisions vary widely in their energy consumption, after over a year of deliberation.

“Unlike many years ago, before flat screens and plasma, today’s televisions vary widely in the amount of energy they use,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said in a prepared statement.

“By comparing information on the EnergyGuide labels, consumers will be able to make better-informed decisions about which model they choose to buy, based on how much it costs to operate per year,” Leibowitz added.

The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 mandated that the FTC consider wider usage of EnergyGuide labels in consumer electronics. It began accepting public comment on the issue in Mar. 2008.

Interest groups have fought for and against widening labeling. The Consumer Electronics Association supports the FTC’s decision, suggesting that the measure should be extended to other product categories. It had previously fought against similar regulations at the state level, CNET reports.

Energy watchdogs, including the Smart-Electronics Initiative, are advocating labeling in consumer electronics to help consumers make “greener” decisions. Household electricity consumption is projected to steadily increase with broader consumer electronics adoption and use.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com