Washington Bill Would Set Limits on Energy Use of TVs, Other Electronics

A bill prefiled last week in Washington State would set efficiency standards for a host of consumer electronics products, making it the first state in position to move on the issue in 2011. HB-1003 by Rep. Jeff Morris, a Democrat, targets TVs, compact audio products, DVD players and recorders and external power supplies. The measure also sets power-factor requirements for TVs, similar to regulations approved by the state’s Office of Administrative Law in September to take effect in January.

Efficiency standards for TVs would take effect in two phases under the bill. TVs with a screen size of 1,400 square inches or less made after Jan. 1, 2012, but before January 2014 must enter a standby-passive mode or standby-active mode 15 minutes after losing video or audio input. In a standby-passive mode, the device is connected to a power source but produces neither sound nor performs any mechanical function like recording, the bill says. The measure sets a 1 watt limit for TVs in the standby-passive mode and imposes a minimum power factor of 0.9 when the power is 100 watts or more. TVs of the same sizes made after Jan. 1, 2014, must, in addition to meeting these requirements, have a peak luminance in the preset mode designed for typical home use no less than 65 percent of the peak luminance at the brightest setting. The measure also prescribes ways to test energy use and power factor of TVs.

Compact audio products manufactured after Jan. 1, 2012, must not exceed 2 watts in standby-passive mode for products without a permanently illuminated clock display and four watts in the same mode for products with such a display. DVD players and recorders made after the same date should not use more than three watts in video standby-passive mode. The measure would set energy use limits for single voltage external AC to DC, or AC to AC, power supplies included with other products and those sold separately.

CEA shares Rep. Morris’ “interest and support of energy efficiency, but this bill’s focus on government-mandated limits for high tech electronics is simply not an appropriate way to advance energy efficiency in the consumer electronics industry,” said Douglas Johnson, the group’s vice president of technology policy.