California Bans "Energy Wasting" TV's What This Means to You

Energy Inefficient TV's Will Be A Thing of the Past

by Lori Cunningham

The California Energy Commission (CEC) voted to restrict the sale of energy efficient TV’s and enforce stricter standards on TV’s sold in California. Is now the time to rush out and buy a TV before the ban is enacted in January 2011?

There are many inefficient TV’s being sold that are increasing energy consumption, especially when you consider the proliferation of larger screen TV’s in homes across America. Plasma TV’s are heralded for their brightness and richness of colors, but some plasmas use up to three times more electricity than the older cathode-ray tubes.

Recently, the California Energy Commission (CEC) voted unanimously to restrict the sale of energy wasting TV’s, up to 58 inches in size and enforce stricter standards on TV’s sold in California.

According to the California Energy Commissions website:

The restriction and stricter standards only apply to TVs sold in California after January 1, 2011. The first standard (Tier 1) would take effect January 1, 2011, and reduce energy consumption by average of 33 percent. The second measure (Tier 2) would take effect in 2013 (applies to TV’s larger than 58″) and, in conjunction with Tier 1, reduce energy consumption by an average of 49 percent.

What This Ban Means to You

o  Increased costs for TV’s. The CEC is imposing higher standards on TV manufacturers to reduce energy consumption. Standards include reduced luminance in brightness levels and an automatic standby mode that occurs after 15 minutes without a TV signal. Manufacturers will only need to implement these new standards for TV’s sold in California.

o  Annoying Standby Screen. The automatic standby mode will be cumbersome if watching a show and the standby screen comes on.

o  California is the only state enforcing these standards. As new TV’s are likely to be more costly, it is very possible that people will begin purchasing their TV’s from the Internet or out of state. This will result in a loss of jobs in California and decreased sales tax income.

o  On the positive side, the CEC believes Californians will save an average for $30/TV the first year, assuming you’re using a highly efficient TV. So it is possible you’ll save some money.

o  Your current TV’s are not effected by the ban, it only applies to TV’s sold beginning January 1, 2011.

Should I Buy A TV Now Before the Ban Begins?

You’re probably asking, “Should I run out and buy my TV’s now before the ban begins?” According to several TV manufacturers, meeting the low wattage standards will not be difficult. Many manufacturers are selling more energy efficient TV’s now. In fact, as of September, it’s reported that more than 1,000 TV’s already meet the 2011 standards.

The simple answer is, if you really need a TV, buy one now. But if you can, wait. Technology is rapidly advancing and by 2011, the new OLED TV’s will be rolled out. OLED TV’s are remarkably thin, have a more vibrant picture, and consume less energy than today’s plasmas and LED screens. See OLED for more information on OLED TV’s.