CEA Releases Third-Party Study Demonstrating Effectiveness Of Voluntary Energy Efficiency Programs

Landmark Research Details Residential Consumer Electronics Energy Consumption

January 18, 2007

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) today released a comprehensive study examining the residential energy consumption of consumer electronics in the United States. The independent study, commissioned by CEA and performed by TIAX LLC, is the most accurate and exhaustive exploration of consumer electronics energy consumption to date. CEA supports energy efficiency through research, voluntary programs including ENERGY STAR(R), industry-led standards and consumer education initiatives such as the recently launched myGreenElectronics.org. The study, titled "Energy Consumption by Consumer Electronics in U.S. Residences," shows that consumer electronics* consume 11 percent of residential electricity and four percent of total U.S. electricity. The study focuses on 16 product categories, which together account for the largest share of residential consumer electronics energy consumption. Three product categories account for approximately two-thirds of consumer electronics residential energy consumption (or approximately eight percent of residential electricity consumption): analog televisions, desktop personal computers, and set-top boxes for cable and satellite services. "This third-party study fills the information void in the energy efficiency debate," said Douglas Johnson, CEA's senior director of technology policy. "Until now, energy consumption discussions have been largely informed by limited and incomplete data from the late 1990's. Now, up-to-date data is available to support energy efficiency initiatives, guide policy decisions and properly characterize the role of consumer electronics in household energy consumption." The study finds that several key trends have had major impacts on consumer electronics energy consumption. First, the number of consumer electronics products owned per household has approximately doubled since 1997, with certain product categories experiencing ever-evolving growth. Second, the power draw characteristics of some consumer electronics products have changed with an increase in product performance and features. Third, consumer usage patterns in some product categories appear to have changed. For example, the study indicates that televisions, personal computers and monitors spend more time in active mode than in the past. Additionally, the CEA study finds that active or on-mode represents about three-quarters of consumer electronics energy consumption. "Standby power consumption has decreased in large part due to the success of voluntary government-industry programs such as ENERGY STAR coupled with technological innovation," said Johnson. "The findings validate the importance of voluntary programs as the right approach for supporting energy efficiency in the ever-changing consumer electronics industry." *CEA plans to update the study with an analysis of digital television energy consumption once an international standard for measuring the on-state power usage of televisions has been completed by a committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The 147-page study is available free online at http://www.ce.org/energy. About CEA: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, digital imaging, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $140 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at http://www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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http://www.ce.org/energy