A few days ago, the California Energy Commission voted to set standards for electricity consumption by large, flat screen televisions. (See HERE.)The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents television manufacturers, predictably attacked the decision, saying the industry could regulate itself.
Of course, the industry hasn't done so. Thank goodness California is stepping in.
We purchased our nice big flat screen about a year ago. We love the crisp, clear hi-def images, but we're not too keen on the power usage. Since purchasing our new television, our power bill has increased by about 10%. There's no question that our wonderful new television is using electrons like crazy.
Not surprisingly, as more and more households make the switch to more and more of these energy hogs, our efforts to curb carbon emissions, reduce oil imports from politically hostile or unstable regimes, and avoid construction of new power plants are thwarted.
The California standards are likely to be followed for televisions manufactured for sale throughout the U.S., so they will effectively set a national standard.
As for the CEA--well, you've had several years to do something and you didn't. And wouldn't. We're glad someone's stepping up.
2 comments:
I think it's good to remind people how they can save energy.
Product bans are however in my view wrong.
There is no energy shortage,
and if there was,the electricity price rise would limit people using it anyway.
No need to legislate for it.
Inefficient products that use more energy can have performance, appearance, price and construction advantages
http://ceolas.net/#cc211x
(using buildings, cars, tv sets, dishwashers, light bulbs etc as examples)
Also, taxation, while still wrong, is surely better than bans for all concerned, giving Government income on
the reduced sales (public income which can in turn be used for environmental spending), while consumers keep choice.
Energy efficient products can have sales taxes lowered.
There is no energy shortage,
and if there was,the electricity price rise would limit people using it anyway.
No need to legislate for it.
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