Sacramento, CA —Proposed first-in-the-nation energy efficiency standards for computers and monitors would generate significant consumer and energy savings, and computer manufacturers should ramp up their efforts to meet those standards when finalized, according to top consumer experts. Today the Consumer Federation of America(CFA), Consumers Union,Consumer Action and Consumer Federation of Californiafiled written comments with the California Energy Commission (CEC) on its proposed standardsintroduced in March that are projected to save California consumers $430 million annually on electricity bills.
“We applaud the action being taken by the CEC—it will spur manufacturers to address the shortcomings of their products. Passing up hundreds of millions of dollars in consumer savings in California and potentially billions of dollars nationwide is simply unacceptable,” said Mark Cooper, director of research for CFA.
The energy consumption of personal electronic devices is exploding due to both increased hours spent on devices and more individuals using them. It has been estimated that a typical American home has forty products that constantly draw power, and people often do not realize they are paying for this hidden energy consumption. In California and across the nation, computers and monitors represent a significant drag on consumer budgets—in the range of 3 to 4 percent of electricity bills.
“Unnecessary energy consumption is wasteful, and consumers should not be footing the bill when manufacturers can address this situation,” said Joe Ridout, consumer services manager and California legislative coordinator for Consumer Action.
“Efficiency standards will help consumers effortlessly save energy. There are already products on the market leading the way and these standards will raise the bar for all of these computer products,” said Shannon Baker-Branstetter.
The California Energy Commission held a public workshop in April to hear from those impacted by the proposed standards. At the hearing, CFA declared that the proposed standards pass the consumer pocketbook test with flying colors.
“The benefits far exceed the costs and they are product-neutral, technology-neutral, pro-competitive, responsive to consumer needs and responsive to industry needs,” said Cooper.
“California has a strong track record of implementing effective standards designed to cut energy consumption and air pollutants to the benefit of consumers. It is consistent and fitting that first-in-the nation standards to address energy waste from computers would be adopted in California,” said Richard Holober of the Consumer Federation of California.
The public comment period for the proposed standards closes today. The full comments from the Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Consumer Action are provided here.
Contacts: Mark Cooper (CFA), 301.384.2202, Joe Ridout (CA), 415.777.9648, Shannon Baker-Branstetter (CU), 202.238.9253, Richard Holober (CFC), 916.498.9608, Cater Communications 415.453.0430
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) is an association of more than 250 non-profit consumer groups that, since 1968, has sought to advance the consumer interest through research, education, and advocacy.
Consumer Action is a California-based non-profit organization established in 1971, which focuses on consumer education that empowers low- and moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers to financially prosper.
Consumers Union (CU) is the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. Consumers Union works for clean and affordable energy, telecommunications reform, health reform, food and product safety, and financial reform. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications.
The Consumer Federation of California is a non-profit advocacy organization. Since 1960, we have been a powerful voice for consumer rights. CFC campaigns for state and federal laws that place consumer protection ahead of corporate profit and also appears before state agencies in support of consumer regulations.