How Small Devices are Having a Big Impact on U.S. Utility Bills

Energy consumption attributed to electronic devices in the typical U.S. home has more than doubled since 1980 and is expected to continue to grow at a rate nearly double the forecasted growth rate for residential electricity end use. The breadth of these devices also grows continuously, driven by technological innovation designed to meet surging consumer demand and changing lifestyles. While the traditional sources behind this increasing energy consumption trend are office equipment and consumer electronics, other miscellaneous devices, such as power tools, portable appliances, and personal care products contribute as well. The growth in electricity consumption within the typical home from miscellaneous end uses is in addition to the rising costs of fuel, such as gasoline for automobiles and oil for home heating. These costs are intensifying, straining consumer budgets while adding to the climate change burden. To address these concerns, consumers, more than ever, need relevant information about the growing array of miscellaneous products and their energy consumption in order to make smart buying decisions. As a result, new opportunities exist for ENERGY STAR to highlight existing electronics products that are efficient across multiple modes of operation, including "active" or "on" mode, and to address nontraditional miscellaneous products. As each opportunity to address multiple modes of operation and product types presents itself, it brings with it the need to overcome a variety of technical challenges while designing relevant policy options that will benefit consumers.