Power-guzzling TVs to be banned

[Cornbread714 Profile]

I think this is an interesting issue. A lot of groups have reacted against the proposal, but I think it may have merit. Where do we (or should we?) draw the line concerning power-guzzling TVs, or gas-guzzling cars?

TVs are 10% of the average family's energy use. Is that bad?

I also heard yesterday that the average American watches 5 hours of TV every day.

Anyway, I just wanted to toss this in the ring.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8367545.stm

Power-guzzling TVs to be banned



BBC World News - Nov. 18

Energy-hungry television sets will soon be banned across California in a landmark move by state legislators to reduce energy consumption.
The state will be the first in the US to impose a mandatory energy curb on TVs, an often-overlooked power drain.
Supporters say the move will help save California residents more than $8bn over 10 years in energy costs.
But some 25% of TVs currently on sale would not meet the minimum standards, an industry group in Virginia said.
The California Energy Commission will require that all new television sets up to 58 inches (147cm) be more energy efficient by 2011, consuming 33% less energy than current sets.
The standards will get even tougher in 2013, when regulators will require sets to be 50% more efficient.
"We have every confidence this industry will be able to meet the rule and then some," energy commissioner Julia Levin said.
"It will save consumers money, it will help protect public health and it will spark innovation."
Television usage currently accounts for 10% of home energy bills in California.
'Limit choice'
Environmental groups applauded the tougher standards, saying the new rules would help avoid the need for a new 500-megawatt power plant to be built and save nearly $1bn each year.
However, some consumer advocates and industry leaders opposed the move, saying it would limit consumer choice and increase the price of television sets.
"It could drive up costs," said Dave Arland, who represents the plasma television industry.
"The ones that are super energy efficient are the ones that are more pricey."
California has long pioneered environmental change, setting tough standards on everything from refrigerators to washing machines.
As a result, electricity use in the state has stayed level for nearly three decades, whereas it has risen elsewhere in the US.

[Nervousnjerky Profile]

Glad I already have my 42 incher !

[Bladerunner Profile]

There of course is an issue in hot weather with aircon units struggling due to the increased heat generated inside a home TV's etc, which compounds the problem, the national power grid is therefore put under more pressure.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19684229/

[Cornbread714 Profile]

There of course is an issue in hot weather with aircon units struggling due to the increased heat generated inside a home TV's etc, which compounds the problem, the national power grid is therefore put under more pressure.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19684229/

I read an article a long time ago that made a semi-serious case that air conditioning ruined America.

First, by destroying neighborhoods. People used to sit on their front porches because they had to. AC drove them indoors. (so did TV).

Secondly, the article claimed that 25% of all electricity used in America is for AC. I don't know about the figures now, the article was from about 20 years ago, but I'm sure it's increased, if anything.

AC also made big Southern cities like Houston, Tucson, and Atlanta possible.