No Surprise, CEC Approves New TV Regulations...

On Nov 18, 2009, the California Energy Commission approved the nation's first energy efficiency standards for televisions, by a vote of 5 to 0. The claim is that it will save consumers $8.1 Billion over 10 years on energy costs, and with no price impact to the consumer.

Can you believe?

As stated in a previous blog, the Consumer Electronics Association has well founded issues with old data, fuzzy math, inconsistencies, and over statements behind the CEC's claims. For instance, the CEA believes the $8.1 Billion savings is more like $2.4 Billion, and that there is a real cost to the manufacturer, which will result in a price increase for TVs thus eliminating any energy cost savings for the consumer. All these details and more can be found in an on-line CEA media presentation.

So, what is next?

Apparently, the CEA "will continue to pursue legislative and legal solutions to ensure that California citizens will not suffer the consequences of this misguided policy". Let's hope that something can be done to reverse this madness, but don't hold your breath. A worthwhile read is the complete CEA press release published later in the day on Wednesday.

© 2009 Advocates for Responsible Energy Consumption

CEC Postpones Decision Date for TV Regulations.

On Nov 4, 2009, the California Energy Commission planned to hold a business meeting at the conclusion of the 45-day comment period, to decide on mandating new and potentially damaging TV energy standards.

However, early last week, and due to an overwhelming response, the meeting was postponed until Nov 18, 2009.

The main reason is the Consumer Electronics Association submitted a 91-page report at the last minute, documenting many mathematical errors in the CEC's calculations, plus detailing compelling reasons for avoiding mandatory standards with a subsequent impact on the TV industry and retail segments.

So far, this is good news for the consumer, but the next hurdle is a possible (flawed) decision at the business meeting on Nov 18. If the CEA's analysis is accurate, as I expect, perhaps the CEC will seriously review their position, but don't hold your breath.

Check the CEC Docket # 09-AAER-1C site for a complete list of all public comments, including one from myself.

© 2009 Advocates for Responsible Energy Consumption