By Martin Vedris
SYDNEY: Benefits to consumers of energy saving appliances are tangible and immediate. The new star rating system on TVs can save consumers money on their energy bills and every dollar counts in these economic times.
The proposed energy star ratings system for TVs is currently voluntary, but it will become mandatory for all TVs for sale in Australia to carry a Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) star rating from 1 October 2009.
Whether you buy into the whole global warming theory or not, the fact is that energy-saving appliances are a major benefit to consumers and the country as a whole.
While some consumers are particularly energy conscious, you don’t have to be a ‘greenie’ to appreciate the cost savings of energy efficient appliances and savvy retailers are communicating the running cost savings to consumers.
“A large wide-screen TV can use the same energy as a medium-sized fridge each day, which is more than your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer combined,” said Environment Minister Peter Garrett, as he introduced the new energy star ratings system for TVs.
In a statement, Garrett said the introduction of the energy rating labels for televisions was one of the announcements the Government made to coincide with World Environment Day in June this year.
“Energy rating labels have helped Australians compare the energy efficiency of white goods for more than 20 years,” Minister Garrett stated. “Labels on TVs will also be a major selling feature when consumers consider the ongoing costs of using their new TV, both financial and environmental.”
Minister Garret also pointed out the cost benefits to consumers of more energy efficient TVs.
“The more stars, the more efficient the product — a three star TV for example uses 20 per cent less energy than a two star product of the same size.”
A spokesperson for Minister Garrett today said that Sharp and Panasonic are the first two TV brands in Australia to introduce energy star ratings on their TVs for sale this Christmas.
Panasonic announced recently that it had voluntarily begun introducing television star energy ratings labels 10 months ahead of the October 2009 deadline.
The company said its first star energy rated model, a 26-inch Panasonic VIERA LCD TV, will be available in stores during December with a rating of three stars. Panasonic stated that it intends to label all new Panasonic VIERA Plasma and LCD televisions as they are released to the market.
“Panasonic has strongly supported the television star energy ratings scheme and will be rolling out its labelling program across its new range as they are released to the market,” said Panasonic Australia managing director Steve Rust.
“It is important for the whole industry to get behind this scheme and help Australians make more informed decisions about the televisions they buy.”