California may draft rules against power-hungry TVs

The Los Angeles Times reports that the California Energy Commission is looking for ways to relieve the strain on the power grid. They want to impose energy standards on TVs, starting in 2011.

The regulations are expected to pass in mid-2009, although there is opposition from the industry, of course.

Televisions account for about 10% of the average Californian's monthly household electricity bill.

Earlier this year we reported about similar regulations proposals in Australia.

I think the state should also encourage people to buy power-efficient TVs, not just discourage them from buying power-hungry ones. A tax credit for efficient TVs, for example, might be very effective. Anyway this might be good news for OLED TVs - they will be very efficient, when they finally arrive.