Starting in 2011, FTC Will Require EnergyGuide Labels for Televisions

Televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 must display EnergyGuide labels so consumers shopping for TVs will have more information about different models and how much energy they use.

A recent amendment to the Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Labeling Rule will require the familiar yellow-and-black labels on new TVs. The labels, which have long appeared on home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, will provide useful information for TVs, such as estimated yearly energy cost and the cost range compared to other similar models.

The FTC is requiring a label with two main disclosures on new TVs: first, the television's estimated annual energy cost; and second, a comparison with the annual energy cost of other televisions with similar screen sizes.

The final rule requires that the new labels be visible from the front of the televisions. Manufacturers can use either a triangular label or a rectangular label. Beginning in July 11, 2011, the amended rule will require websites that sell televisions to display an image of the full EnergyGuide label. Additional examples of the new labels can be found on the FTC's website.