California Energy Regulators Prepare To Tackle TVs

LCD and plasma sets are energy hogs

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Energy Commission is preparing new regulations to address power-hungry television sets. The proposed regulations, set to take effect in 2011, would require televisions sold in California to meet new energy-efficiency requirements.

According to the Los Angeles Times, “During a peak viewing time when most sets are on, such as the Super Bowl, TVs in the state collectively suck up the equivalent of 40% of the power generated by the San Onofre nuclear power station running at full capacity. Televisions account for about 10% of the average Californian's monthly household electricity bill. … LCD — liquid crystal display — sets use 43% more electricity, on average, than conventional tube TVs; larger models use proportionately more. Plasma TVs, which command a relatively small share of the market, need more than three times as much power as bulky, old-style sets.”

Among those opposing the proposed regulations is Mike McMaster, president of Wilshire Entertainment, a Thousand Oaks, California, company that specializes in the installation of home theater systems. “If a customer wants a 12-cylinder car or a 60-inch plasma that uses this much energy, they’re going to get it,” McMaster noted.

Update: see "California’s Efficiency Standards Applied to TVs."