TVs to get EnergyGuide labels, just like refrigerators

Consumer Reports News: October 28, 2010 02:20 PM

The familiar yellow-and-black EnergyGuide labels you're used to seeing on appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners will be coming to televisions next year, thanks to a change in the FTC's Appliance Labeling Rule.

The hope is that by having the labels—which list a set's estimated yearly energy cost and how that cost compares it to other similarly sized models—prominently displayed, consumers will be able to make better-informed choices about the TVs they buy.

Earlier this week, the FTC unanimously approved the change, which applies to TVs manufactured after May 10, 2011. The rule requires that the labels—either triangular or rectangular—must be visible from the front of the TV. Websites that sell TVs will be required to display an image of the EnergyGuide label beginning July 11, 2011.

Consumers Union, parent of Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports Online, strongly supports the FTC's initiative requiring energy-cost labeling on televisions. In addition to providing consumers with more information, we believe it will give the industry incentive to develop more energy-efficient products.

—James K. Willcox