Energy Labels
What Has Changed in the Energy Label?
The new, simpler A-G energy rating scale is stricter and designed so that very few products are initially expected to achieve the top “A” rating. Appliances that were previously rated as among the most energy-efficient products on the market are now typically labelled as “B”, “C” or “D”. This does not mean that they have become less energy efficient than previously; rather, it means there is greater ambition to strive for ever more sustainable technology in future.
How Has Energy Labelling Changed?
For over 25 years, EU energy labels have helped consumers choose energy-efficient appliances. However, standards for the labelling system were revised in March 2021.
Under the previous system, with ratings from A+++ to G, more than 90% of products were labelled A+, A++, or A+++. As a result, energy labelling failed to provide a reliable indicator of how to make a purchasing decision based on its ratings. This has been replaced by a more consumer-centric, practical and intuitive system with standards ranging from a simple A to G.
The change applies to the following categories of products on TLC Direct:
- Lighting sources e.g. LED lighting.
- TVs and electronic displays.
FAQ on Energy Label Changes
Q. Why has the energy efficiency grade changed so much?
A. The energy label system was updated to allow consumers to more easily distinguish between appliances with varying levels of technological advancement. The new labeling system grades appliances based on their efficiency, with the possibility for future technologies to be incorporated into higher grades on the scale. It is important to note that the energy efficiency of appliances has not changed, only the way in which their efficiency is measured.
Q. Why does my product have two labels?
A. From November 1, 2020 until March 1, 2021, manufacturers were required to use a dual labeling system, displaying both the old and new versions of the label on product packaging. This was implemented to ensure that consumers had access to accurate information at the time of purchase. Once the dual labeling period ended, only the updated labels were used.
Q. Has the energy efficiency of the product also changed?
A. No. Technological advancements have resulted in significantly more efficient products compared to those of the past.
Q. Why are we still using the EU energy label now that we have left the EU?
A. The UK Government encourages consumers to save energy by choosing energy-efficient products. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy considered the opinions of various stakeholders before determining that the energy label is still a useful tool for UK consumers to gauge the energy efficiency of products. This label is widely utilized and highly valued by consumers as it helps them make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their purchases.