House Measure Would Require Energy Star to Incorporate Smart Electronics

The proliferation of electronic devices worldwide and the need to curb the energy they use is coming into focus in Congress. A bill introduced by Rep. Michael Honda, D-Calif., with backing from a Silicon Valley coalition called the Smart Electronics Initiative, would require the EPA and the Department of Energy to assess the “cost-effective integration of smart electronics technologies and capabilities in all products” being weighed for “potential designation” as Energy Star products.

HR-5070 describes “smart electronics” as having features such as power-factor correction, capability to communicate with smart grid and in-home and networked energy monitoring gear, on-demand and variable processing speed semiconductors, low-power switchable modes and the ability to achieve greater efficiency with multiple functions on semiconductors. The bill would require the two federal agencies to study the growth of consumer electronics use and the associated energy use. Within a year of enactment, the measure would require the agencies to analyze the “potential energy savings and electricity cost savings” that could accrue from Energy Star programs for smart electronics.

The bill cites International Energy Agency estimates to justify the need for urgent measures. Energy use of electronics, accounting for 15 percent of global household electricity consumption, will triple by 2030 to 1,700 terawatt hours, the equivalent of the household energy use in the U.S. and Japan combined, it said. In 2009, $80 billion was spent worldwide on electricity to power household electronics, it said, and that’s projected to rise to $200 billion a year by 2030. Although most of the rapid growth in electronics use will take place in developing countries, their proliferation will undermine the U.S.’s efforts to increase energy security and reduce greenhouse gases, it said.

Once the EPA and DOE complete their smart electronics studies, they would be required to develop a “smart electronics emphasis” in Energy Star programs. They would also be required to set up a smart electronics registry that “provides a voluntary mechanism” for electronics makers and retailers to register their smart electronics products. To run the registry, the agencies would have to develop testing and verification procedures to ensure qualifying products are smart electronics and device labeling criteria for the products at retail outlets.

Electronics need to be made more energy-efficient to meet U.S. goals of energy security and greenhouse gas reduction, said Honda, a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. The problem can’t be fixed by “stemming the tide of electronic gadget envy,” he said. The answer lies in “better devices that are built more efficiently and run on less energy."

"The types of products highlighted in the Honda bill are very exciting and hold the potential of giving consumers new ways to save energy,” said Christopher McLean, the executive director of the CE Retailers Coalition. He said CERC members “are reviewing the legislation” but “it is encouraging that the bill builds on the voluntary foundation of the very successful Energy Star program.”