Ontario considers flat-screen crackdown
TORONTO, ONTARIO - Ontario is looking at tougher energy efficiency rules for flat-screen TVs that suck electricity like SUVs guzzle gas, saving consumers money on their hydro bills but possibly forcing television prices higher.
"We're always looking at ways we need to improve standards with appliances," Energy Minister Gerry Phillips said after California's energy regulator voted to require dramatically lower electricity use in flat-screen TV models starting in 2011.
"Over the next few months we'll be looking at whether we need to set some additional new standards."
With the fast-selling flat-screen TVs using between 50 and 300 per cent more power than comparable older-style tube sets, "this is one of the things that is increasing energy demand," noted Phillips.
The new California rules apply to TVs under 58 inches, which account for about 97 per cent of the market. About 3.3 million flat-screen TVs, in both plasma and LCD versions, will be sold in Canada this year.
As it struggles with electricity challenges, California will require, for example, new 42-inch flat-panel TVs to use no more than 183 watt-hours and less than 116 watt-hours by 2013. Now, the average plasma TV uses 338 watt-hours and LCDs 176 watt-hours.
It's time the Ontario government considered tougher standards on this front, said New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath, who acknowledged she is like many consumers and never thought to check into how much power her own flat-screen TV uses before buying it two years ago.
"It's a matter of raising awareness and giving people the information they need to make wise choices," she told reporters.
Phillips, who replaced George Smitherman as energy minister last week, said consumers should start thinking about energy consumption when buying TVs, just as they do when looking at fridges, air conditioners and dishwashers.
Related News

PG&E Wildfire Assistance Program Accepting Applications for Aid
SAN FRANCISCO - Beginning today, August 15, 2019, those displaced by the 2017 Northern California wildfires and 2018 Camp fire can apply for aid through an independently administered Wildfire Assistance Program funded by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). PG&E’s $105 million fund, approved by the judge in PG&E’s Chapter 11 cases, is intended to help those who are either uninsured or need assistance with alternative living expenses or other urgent needs. The court-approved independent administrator is set to file the eligibility criteria as required by the court and will open the application process.
“Our goal is to get the money…