The Issues
TV Efficiency Standards
In November, California became the first state to adopt minimum efficiency standards for new televisions. The new rules require manufacturers to cut the power televisions use by one-third in two years and in half by 2013 by setting wattage ceilings. With TV manufacturers gearing up to meet the CA standard, now is the time for Washington to adopt the same energy efficiency standards.
Latest News:
- 30th Anniversary Gala Photo Album
More than 280 clean energy supporters filled the banquet room at Seattle University’s Campion Hall to help celebrate NW Energy Coalition's 30th Anniversary. [nggallery id=1]
- The Impact reports on the Clean Energy Initiative debate
Coalition Policy Director Nancy Hirsh is featured in this video segment looking at the current roster of proposed changes to Washington's Clean Energy Initiative. %CODE1%
- Washington's clean energy future at risk
Since its passage, I-937 has created about $7.5 billion in new investments in this state, creating 7,200 jobs across the region. More than $40 million in property tax revenue has been generated for local communities to pay for schools, firefighters and other public services. And through I-937 our state has realized record energy conservation, saving nearly $70 million on consumers’ electric bills. Despite these clear benefits, the fate of I-937 hangs in the balance. Two identical bills to amend I-937 – HB 2654 and SB 6396 – have hearings scheduled this week in the legislature...
- From the Sacramento Bee: State has stake in Columbia salmon solution
The story of Pacific salmon has not recently been a happy one. Population declines in the West Coast's big three rivers – the Sacramento-San Joaquin, Klamath and Columbia-Snake – have meant less fishing, lost jobs, scarce fish and higher prices for consumers. Without major changes to how we manage these waterways, the beating heart of our region's salmon economy may cease. Fortunately, there are some bright spots on the horizon. On a growing number of rivers, adversaries are opting to collaborate rather than litigate. People are starting to work together to restore rivers, recover salmon and rebuild jobs. Read more here: www.sacbee.com
- Fulfill Our Clean Energy Initiative
Washington’s Clean Energy Initiative (also know as I-937) was passed by voters in November 2006 and requires the state’s major electric utilities to gradually increase the amount of new renewable resources in their electricity supply to 15% by 2020. Since 2006, The Clean Energy Initiative has generated about $7.5 billion in renewable energy investments in this state, especially in our struggling rural communities, and all-time-record efficiency savings for energy consumers. More investments, more savings and more jobs will come to us as long as we keep the pathway open...
_______
Why will the standard be good for Washington?
Energy efficiency is the cheapest and cleanest way to meet our growing demand for energy and this standard will ensure every TV sold in Washington is energy efficient.
- In 2020, these efficiency standards will save Washington consumers about $24.8 million per year on their energy bills. Energy savings will be an estimated 45 annual average megawatts – equivalent to the average output of about 60 wind turbines. (source: Appliance Standards Awareness Project)
- Consumers ultimately win by purchasing energy-efficient products not only because it will lower their utility bills, but also because their conservation efforts will reduce the need to spend money on new power plants.
Why TVs?
TV energy use has been rising dramatically here in the Northwest, there are more TVs per home than people! There are no federal energy-efficiency requirements for televisions, which — as they have become larger and fancier — use about 43% more energy than older tube TVs and more than some refrigerators. TVs and various settop boxes account for as much as 10 percent of household energy use and represent one of the largest unregulated appliances in the home.
Why a standard?
If Washington adopts the TV standards we can help accelerate market transformation in the country – and avoid industry ‘dumping’ inefficient TVs in our market. And a good standard is a consumer protection measure – allowing consumers to focus on choosing the product that is best for them without having to also spend time researching energy consumption. Because California’s standard is already in place, Washington consumers will see no incremental cost to TVs.
How will the standard work?
The standards are performance based and technology neutral. The greater the screen size the more power the TV is allowed to use. The standards will allow the sale of any type of TV including LCDs and plasmas, and won’t limit screen size.
How will the standard effect product availability?
Consumers will still be able to choose from a wide range of TV sizes, technologies and price points with equal or better performance than today’s models. The standard provides manufacturers with complete flexibility on how they design their products.
