How much juice can your big-screen TV suck up? California will become the first state to tackle that issue this week if the state’s energy commission approves a proposal to limit the amount of energy TVs can use. Given the Golden State’s track record as a trendsetter, the impact could eventually be felt far beyond its borders. Not surprisingly, the proposal has sparked heated controversy, particularly about plasma TVs, which have been painted as power hogs. Opponents argue that the measure would mean less choice and higher prices for consumers, effectively banning the sales of hundreds of big-screen models.
California’s proposal would require a 33 percent improvement in average efficiency for TVs with screens up to 58 inches sold in California in 2011 and a 49 percent improvement in 2013. By the state’s reckoning, more than 1,000 TVs, including several dozen plasma TVs, already meet the 2011 standard, and about 300 LCD sets—but no plasmas—already qualify for the tougher 2013 rules.
Manufacturers, retailers, and other industry groups have sharply criticized the measure. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) argues that California hasn’t factored in recent advances in TV efficiency, instead relying on data from years back, when many TVs—especially plasma sets—were more power-hungry. The group points out that the energy efficiency of Energy Star-compliant TVs has improved by 41 percent over the past two years, and points out that many Energy-Star-compliant sets would not meet California’s 2013 guidelines.
CEA has joined forces with Californians for Smart Energy, a group comprising consumers, small businesses, trade groups and associations—including the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA, Consumer Electronics Retailers Coalition (CERC), Digital Entertainment Group, and the Plasma Display Coalition.
We at Consumer Reports have in fact found that TVs have become more energy-efficient over the past year or two, to the point that both display types now use comparable amounts of energy per screen inch. For example, we estimate that 42-inch LCDs and plasmas both use roughly $40 to $45 a year in energy. The government’s Energy Star program also indicates that LCD and plasma TVs use comparable amounts of power, in contrast to California data showing that plasmas use about one-third more.
CEA maintains that California overstates both the magnitude of the problem and the potential savings. Consumer habits such as turning off the TV when not in use and lowering the brightness could save as much if not more power, they contend.
What’s your view of the situation? Do you think the government should be involved to this extent? Let’s hear it. —Eileen McCooey
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