Smart TVs to switch on more slowly under EU net zero rules

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on The Telegraph or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The UK government is considering stricter energy-efficiency rules for smart TVs, robot vacuum cleaners and other connected household devices, aligning standards with EU net-zero measures
• Under proposals from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, internet-connected devices would face a two-watt standby power limit, while smart TVs and games consoles would enter standby after 20 minutes of inactivity
• Some devices could take longer to reconnect or respond to commands

🔭 The context: The proposed restrictions aim to reduce electricity wasted by devices that remain connected to Wi-Fi or perform background tasks while idle
• Critics argue that slower start-up times and delayed software updates could inconvenience consumers, while supporters say improved efficiency could reduce household energy bills
• The proposals remain under consultation, rather than being confirmed rules

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing standby electricity consumption could lower overall energy demand and associated power-sector emissions
• The impact will depend on how widely the standards are implemented, the electricity mix and the actual savings achieved across millions of devices.

⏭️ What’s next: The government consultation will help determine the final requirements and their implementation
• Ministers estimate that stronger standby standards could save around 11.5 terawatt-hours of electricity by 2050
• The debate is expected to center on balancing energy savings and net-zero ambitions against convenience, affordability and consumer choice

💬 One quote: “Smart devices shouldn’t hit people’s pockets – that’s why we’re improving our standards to stop everyday devices silently draining money from families’ bank accounts.” — UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson

📈 One stat: 11.5 TWh — the estimated electricity savings by 2050 under the proposed stronger standby standards, according to the government consultation

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