Since the mid-1990s the European Commission (EC) has used an energy-efficiency rating system that ranks major household appliances on a scale of A to G, A being the most efficient.
Labeled products are presently divided into the following categories:
- Refrigerators & Freezers
- Washing Machines & Tumble Dryers
- Dishwashers
- Ovens
The problem is that, in the years since the system has been in place, products have become more efficient to the point where now almost everything gets an A. To address this issue, the EC has introduced a proposal to alter the labeling system for refrigerators and freezers and to newly apply a similar labeling system for TVs.
The proposed changes would add new tiers to the A rating by denoting the percentage of energy savings beyond the standard spec. For example, an A-20% rating would indicate a product that uses 20% less energy than the A level.
This week, the European Parliament vetoed the proposal for TVs. And, although the proposal for refrigerators and freezers barely missed a veto, there is still much controversy about the changes, creating uncertainty about the system’s future direction.
Consumer groups have claimed that amending the labeling system will cause confusion among consumers. Stephen Russell, Secretary-General of the European Association for the Co-ordination of Consumer Representation in Standardization (ANEC) stated, “It is essential that the layout of the Energy Label is kept simple in order for consumers to understand it easily – after all, it is intended to inform consumers and not serve industry interests.”
The EC is now in something of a huddle mode as to what to do next. Stay tuned to Mr. Green’s blog for further developments.
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