TV sets to get energy ratings

Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced today that without government action TV energy use would double in less than a decade.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced today that without government action TV energy use would double in less than a decade.

Therefore in an effort to make people more conscious of emissions and energy use, the government will be introducing an energy rating scheme for TVs similar to that currently displayed on fridges and washing machines.

The non compulsory scheme will be phased in over the next twelve months, with electronics companies Panasonic and Sony already agreeing to implement the energy ratings labels.
A new report titled Energy Use in the Australian Residential Sector 1986-2020 predicted energy usage would rise by 56 per cent by 2020, and TVs were part of the problem, Mr Garrett said.

“This report estimates that one in four Australians buys a new television each year and that TVs are now the fourth-largest user of electricity, behind water heating, domestic refrigeration and lighting.”

Panasonic estimated the average television was left on unwatched for 3.2 hours per day, which accounts for 40 per cent of its power consumption. The company recommended switching the TV off, unplugging it when on holidays, and adjusting the brightness of the screen to save power.

Source: news.com