The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is proposing to
regulate the energy consumption of televisions, laptops, and monitors in an
effort to save energy and curb rising electricity costs in the country.
The regulation will be enforced by the Minimum Energy Performance
Standards (MEPS) which sets limits on the amount of energy that can be
consumed by a product while performing a specified task.
This will apply to both locally made and imported TVs and laptops. The
Energy (Appliances Energy Labelling and Performance) Regulations 2016,
states that manufacturers or importers of appliances covered by the
regulation must apply to the Commission for registration of the appliance
model.
According to EPRA, the new move will involve an assessment of economic,
social, environmental and cultural benefits associated with the program
that was rolled out in 2016 and will include televisions, computer monitors,
and computers in the current regulations.
EPRA currently regulates appliances such as air conditioners,
refrigerators/freezers, fluorescent lamps, fluorescent ballasts, and
induction motors.
EPRA uses ratings on various households appliances to enable customers to
choose appliances that consume less power.
EPRA has implemented an energy efficiency rating system using a five-star
system, with a higher number of stars indicating greater energy efficiency.
The rating includes a sticker that displays the amount of energy consumed
by the appliance per year, the license number issued by the authority and
information on the tests performed on the appliance according to
government standards. EPRA advises consumers to purchase appliances
with a lower kilowatt-hours per year number.
The energy regulator states on its website that “using energy-efficient
appliances helps cut energy bills, reduce strain on the national grid and
lower greenhouse gas emissions.”
