Press Release

18/12/2008

Goodbye to inefficient stand-by for electrical appliances. Peter Liese MEP

Commission adopts new rules on energy-saving stand-by modus/ EU measure to save €4.8 billion in electricity costs

The European Commission has finally adopted a measure to reduce stand-by-losses of electronic devices, such as TVs, computers or satellite receivers. It is an implementing measure of the EU Eco-Design Directive on energy-using products. The Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in 2005.

"Some devices consume more than 30 watts in the stand-by-mode. This is a waste of energy as the consumer actually does not use the devices. There have been some improvements over the past years, but no break-through. Therefore, the new measure is more than urgent", said Peter Liese MEP, who covers the Eco-Design Directive for the EPP-ED Group.

The Directive is being implemented at present. The first measure finally adopted after a decision of the comitology committee in July and after scrutiny of the Parliament and the Council is the measure on stand-by-losses. "European consumers can save almost €5 billion of electricity costs per year. The measure reduces costs and is an efficient tool for the fight against climate change", said the German Euro MP.

For further information:
Peter Liese MEP, Phone: +33-3-88-177981
Thomas Bickl, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-478-215372

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.