California, the pioneer in energy efficiency has now declared new energy efficient standard for TVs, a step to reduce the states power consumption and go greener.
The new standard applies on television up to 58 inches screen size and mentions that they should be made in a way to be more energy efficient. It states that these TVs should consume 33% less energy than current sets by 2011 and 50 % less starting with 2013 models.
The rule excludes television in use or those for sale at present.
California Energy Commission told that these account for 10% of home electric bills and the measure will save California consumers at least $8 billion over 10 years in electricity costs. This saved energy would approximately equal to power 864,000 homes.
For a greener side supports for the motion and Commission move ahead with the decision also because a study estimated that energy saving could help reduce greenhouse gas emission by 3 million metric tons over a year.
The old style Cathode ray tube sets engage on an average 40% less power than the new hyped larger flat-screen televisions with their liquid crystal displays and plasma technologies.
Those against the motion condemned the energy efficient move by regarding them as unnecessary, costly for TV makers and consumers. They pointed the rule to be a hindrance to innovations and will put constraints on consumer choices.
California has always been active on environmental issues whether on power eater refrigerators and air conditioners and even today they are the initiators to pass a regulation for curbing the energy gulper televisions.
Due to these energy efficient regulations California has always laid itself on leveled electricity consumption while other countries have faced increase in their per capita energy intake.