Utility Companies Raise the Efficiency Bar for Manufacturers and Retailers

May 4, 2009 - California's Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD) recently launched the Business and Consumer Electronics Program, providing marketing support to encourage manufacturers and retailers to promote energy-efficient televisions, desktop computers and monitors. The program differs from other energy efficiency campaigns in that it offers monetary incentives to businesses, as opposed to consumers, for participation.

The program also aims to raise the bar for efficiency standards by encouraging manufacturers to exceed current ENERGY STAR specs and retailers to offer the uber-efficient models for sale in their stores. For example, in order to qualify, a flat screen TV must exceed ENERGY STAR specs by 15% while a computer monitor must exceed the ENERGY STAR spec requirements by 25%.

Qualifying products will also receive the following labels to help retailers raise public awareness.

It's estimated that by the end of 2011 the program will save customers up to 380 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). That's enough to power more than 55,000 typical homes.

For more information, see: Business and Consumer Electronics Program Buyer's Guide.