SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Pacific Gas and Electric, the Environmental Protection Agency, electronics manufactures and retailers are teaming up to encourage consumers to purchase appliances and electronics that have the Energy Star label.
According to the EPA, the agency’s Energy Star Program has seen a much smaller response than what organizers had originally hoped for. Kathleen Kaplan, a spokeswoman for the organization, says it’s disappointing that consumers aren’t eagerly purchasing these energy efficient products and taking advantage of the benefits they offer.
“Energy efficient choices can also save families money… about one-third on their energy bill.”
KCBS’ Marke Seelig reports
Brad Whitcomb, PG&E’s Vice President of Customer Innovation, says high-tech products including televisions, computers and home entertainment systems account for the fastest growing segment of residential energy use.
“In California, [high tech products] already account for 18 percent of consumer energy use.”
That number is likely to grow unless manufacturers and sellers can motivate consumers to change their habits. Department store Sears is already in the works to change their website and in-store displays to provide shoppers with more information. They are also educating their sales representatives so they can empower buyers with best information.
Currently, Energy Star qualified televisions use up to 30 percent less energy than standard units. If all televisions sold in the U.S. met Energy Star requirements, consumers across the nation would save an estimated $1 billion in annual energy costs. It would also greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of taking about one million cars off the road.
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