ENERGY STAR specifications for televisions and digital-to-analog converter boxes (DTAs) have been finalized, the set-top box specification is nearing completion, and specification revisions are under way for computers, monitors, and external power supplies. It’s time for CEE members to capture the energy savings for these products in new electronics programs. In Long Beach, participants in the consumer electronics breakout session identified three general areas in which to convene working groups in order to move forward with program design for energy efficient electronics products: 1) specifications, 2) program approaches, and 3) consumer education.

The formation of the three working groups was the result of a brainstorming exercise during the session. Meeting participants were asked to share their ideas for possible approaches at the upstream (manufacturing), midstream (retail), and downstream (consumer) levels. Potential upstream approaches included pursuing a nationally coordinated approach, preparing advanced product specifications, buydowns, and preparing a multiyear plan. Midstream approaches included stocking and market share incentives, product bundles, incentives to retailers and sales associates, SPIFFS, second labels on estimated energy costs, POS and POP information, RFPs to retailers, marketing partnerships, and thank yous or acknowledgements on sales receipts. At the downstream level, the greatest interest was in education. Potential education topics include CO2 emissions, the digital transition, and energy management. There was interest in looking at public service announcements and targeting messaging at children. Consumer rebates were also discussed as a possible downstream tool.

This effort will be pursued in close collaboration with ENERGY STAR. Hewan Tomlinson from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program shared information at the breakout session regarding their plans for 2008 promotional activities. These will include office equipment and electronics and will build on the infrastructure from the Change a Light, Change the World campaign. The promotional campaign will connect to seasonal interest in particular products. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment could be part of a back to school campaign in August and September. Televisions and other consumer electronics products could be promoted in November to capture holiday sales. More details should be forthcoming soon.

In the near future, CEE staff will be preparing a scope for the program design effort and distributing it to the consumer electronics committee for comment. The three working groups will begin meeting in March. If you are interested in participating in one or more of the working groups, please contact CEE Program Manager Margie Lynch.

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