Energy efficiency rules now in effect

New EU rules came into effect on 1 January requiring many electrical gadgets and appliances to switch off automatically in order to save energy.

Now devices such as routers, modems, smart televisions and printers should be able to switch into a low power standby mode if the equipment has not been used for some time. For example, espresso machines must now power down after 30 minutes and functions keeping cups warm will end after 60 minutes.

The European Commission knows that many devices remain connected for 24 hours a day, eating up unnecessary electricity.

It estimates that households could save around £32 a year if people stopped leaving televisions or computers connected or on standby.

The new rules are part of the EU's Ecodesign initiative, which have already seen the most powerful vacuum cleaners, and traditional light bulbs banned.

Online retailers must show an electronic version of the energy label already mandatory on goods bought in shops.

It is estimated that the new rules have already reduced the average individual’s electricity consumption by 10% over five years.

The Commission says its measures on stand-by devices will reduce energy consumption by almost 75 terawatt-hours (TWh) without affecting product performance.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by 28 million tons, equivalent to the annual emissions of 1.5 million households.

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