CEE’s Consumer Electronics Committee continues to explore the energy-saving potential of new product areas.

Since its formation in June 2006, the committee has developed comments on the ENERGY STAR^® specifications for digital-to-analog converter boxes (DTAs), computers and televisions.

In anticipation of the transition from analog to digital broadcasting on February 18, 2009, the ENERGY STAR DTA specification took effect immediately upon the release of the final version, on January 31. CEE members are now considering whether and how to address DTAs in their programs and CEE will continue to support their efforts.

Additionally, CEE has been monitoring the development of a federal subsidy coupon program for DTAs, which the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will administer.

In a joint proposal to the NTIA, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Natural Resources Defense Council and others recommend the inclusion of an energy-efficiency requirement in the federal coupon program.

In December 2006, CEE submitted a letter in support this proposed requirement. CEE’s Consumer Electronics Committee continues to monitor the federal subsidy coupon program development. CEE members are also considering how to incorporate the revised ENERGY STAR computer specification into their programs.

A recent Pacific Gas & Electric study rated computers, along with televisions, as the highest priorities in consumer electronics.

The new computer specification, which will take effect on July 31, 2007, includes a requirement for 80 percent efficient internal power supplies, a measure that CEE supported in its comments to EPA.

Of all consumer electronics products, televisions represent one of the largest percentages of electricity consumption. According to the 2007 Energy Information Administration (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook, in 2005 televisions accounted for approximately 14 percent of miscellaneous residential electricity use, and 4 percent of total residential electricity use.

With screens getting larger and televisions operating for more hours each day, it appears that this trend will persist. CEE plans to continue participating in the ENERGY STAR television specification revision process and assisting members in their efforts to promote energy-efficient televisions.

Over the past months, CEE has also strengthened its relationship with the consumer electronics industry by working with the CEA. Marc Hoffman, CEE’s Executive Director, attended January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and participated in an energy-efficiency panel.

At the show, the CEA unveiled a comprehensive energy-use study that covers all consumer electronics except digital televisions. A supplementary study on digital televisions is expected once a revised television test procedure has been finalized.

At the Market Transformation Symposium in March, Doug Johnson of the CEA and EPA/ENERGY STAR’s Katharine Kaplan will speak about the proliferation of consumer electronics in the home.

For further information about CEE’s Consumer Electronics Committee, contact Erica Schroeder at 617-589-3949, ext. 231.

[ back to top ]