Print Page 10/14/2009

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.: California is one step closer to limiting the energy consumption of TV sets. The state’s energy regulator held a hearing this week on a proposed set of electricity use caps on TVs sold in the state. A vote by the California Energy Commission could be scheduled as soon as Nov. 4, the Los Angeles Times said.

The proposal would lower the energy use limit for stand-by mode from 3 watts per hour to 1 watt for screens that are 1,400 square inches and smaller. Active mode operation would be limited in two phases. As of Jan 1, 2011, TVs sold in California must consume no more than wattage equal to 20 percent of the screen area plus 32. By Jan. 1, 2013, the formula becomes wattage is limited to 12 percent of screen area times 25.

Representatives of the Consumer Electronics Association implored the CEC to allow the industry to adhere to voluntary standards. Its ranks were not solid, however, with Vizio, an Irvine, Calif., TV market, saying it would be able to comply with the new standards without substantial price hikes.

More on California’s move to rein in TV wattage:
“2009 Appliance Efficiency Rulemaking,” Staff Report from the California Energy Commission.

September 22, 2009: “California Seeks to Limit TV Energy Consumption”
People watching more TV on bigger screens is sucking down too much power, California’s state’s energy regulator reckons.

April 6, 2009: “California Considers HDTV Energy Consumption Limits”
Energy limits would be imposed with a two-tier system that would reduce consumption around 33 percent in 2011 and 49 percent on average in 2013.
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