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New energy ratings will ‘confuse’ public, say charity
Tuesday 3 February, 2009
By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk
EU plans to change energy efficiency ratings on fridges, freezers and light bulbs will confuse consumers, the Energy Saving Trust has warned.
EU politicians should “think again” about plans for a new Europe-wide energy efficiency labelling system mixing letters and numbers according to Edward Hyams chairman of the Energy Saving Trust.
The new system, which will replace the current A-G labelling system on electrical products like washing machines and fridges, will use numbers from one to nine, with one being the least efficient and nine the most, and allows for greater clarity when more efficient products came onto the market.
Hyams, who argues you the new system is too confusing, said: “Our message is simple: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The A-G label should stay as it is. I would have thought that EU had enough on their plates without wasting time, money and effort changing something that nine out of 10 people across Europe already understand and recognise.”
Seven out of 10 Europeans feel the current A-G system is much easier to understand than other schemes being considered by EU politicians, according to a poll by the Energy Saving Trust.
Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “EU plans to ‘revamp’ the labelling system may only confuse people more.”
He continued: "There’s still a way to go before the public fully embraces energy efficient white goods. In the meantime you can reduce your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient.”
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