Set Top-Tier TV Standard At Energy Star 5.1 Plus 20 Percent, Utilities Urge EPA

The EPA should set the standard for TVs seeking to qualify for the proposed top-tier program at 20 percent more efficient than Energy Star 5.1 levels, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) said. In a joint filing with Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas and Electric, the alliance that represents 120 utilities in the region said the standard it’s recommending would meet the EPA’s goals for a top-tier program because it provides “consumers with a choice of brands and screen sizes while highlighting the next generation of efficient technologies.” The agency has proposed a top-tier program for TVs, clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, central air conditioners and heating equipment.

Only 7 percent of the TV models meet the Energy Star 5.1 plus 20 percent levels, the alliance and the California utilities said. NEEA provides retailer incentives for selling TVs meeting that performance level. Models that meet Energy Star 5.1 plus 20 percent “represent the most cutting edge of TV technology today, and incorporate the most recent technology advances such as LED backlighting and OLEDs,” the alliance and utilities said. They urged the EPA to align top-tier performance levels with utility efficiency programs so there’s a “clear and consistent message” to consumers.

The top-tier program should be “consistent in its use and market representation, while accommodating key differences between the eligible product categories,” said the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), representing U.S. and Canadian utilities. For local efficiency program administrators to “design and implement a successful program that leverages ’top tier,’ they must understand what aspects of ’top tier are fixed and what aspects will vary by product,” said the CEE. It develops efficiency standards for TVs and other products for utility use in incentive programs. The EPA also must provide energy savings estimates for each top product so utilities can use the information in their programs’ marketing and design, CEE said.

LG said it’s “pleased to see televisions identified as an early priority” in the top tier program. The program’s success will depend a great deal on the “ability to concisely and effectively communicate to consumers precisely what qualifies a product to be top tier,” it said. The EPA should develop a standard for top-tier that’s “easily communicated,” the company said. LG supports “transparent, robust, third-party testing of products” qualifying for top tier category, it said. “Consumers should have reason to trust the designation of top performers, and a rigorous testing program is the best way to provide that certainty.” Hewlett-Packard suggested that the top tier designation be made part of the Energy Star logo.