Energy News

Energy guzzling TVs taken off the shelves

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

By Daniel Barnes- daniel@consumerchoices.co.uk

TVs that use more energy and push up electricity bills are being taken off shop shelves.

Retailers have signed a major agreement to stop selling inefficient and high energy use TVs.

Around 7.5% of household electricity bills come from televisions and the most energy efficient models can save £42 a year on bills.

A deal between the government and eight retailers who sell 50% of UK TVs - Best Buy UK, Comet, Co-operative Electrical, Currys and PC World, John Lewis, Argos, Marks & Spencer, and Sainsbury’s – will see new European minimum efficiency standards met a year early.

The average TV costs £46 a year to run, £4 a year more expensive than an A-rated fridge freezer..

The least efficient 42-inch TV can cost £69 a year to run and the most efficient Energy Savings Trust (EST) recommended set costs £33 on your electricity bills.

Environment minister Dan Norris said: “I’m pleased that so many of our leading electrical stores have made this commitment to remove the least energy efficient TVs from their shelves.

“There is more work to be done to further improve the energy efficiency of these products but, with a World Cup around the corner when we know some people will be thinking of buying a new TV, it’s great for them to know that the models sold by these retailers will save them money on their energy bills and help the environment.”

It is estimated 1.6 million TVs will be sold in the run up to the World Cup this summer.

EST chief executive Philip Sellwood added: “This World Cup, each football fan buying a new Energy Saving Recommended 42-inch LCD TV instead of the worst performing model could save enough cash to buy themselves the brand new England away shirt and a celebratory (or consolatory!) pint down the pub.

“We urge people to shop wisely when deciding on their new television.”