UK Agrees with European Union Plans for New Energy Labels

Just recently, the European Union announced its plans to revamp the current energy label system and boost efficiency. This new controversial move will see new grades of A+, A++, and A+++.

The UK Government has already promised to work with businesses to make sure that customers understand the new, and potentially confusing, beyond A rating system. These rating will be used on things like fridges, dishwashers, freezers and washing machines.

The European Commission outlined its plans last week to reform the energy label rating for so-called “wet appliances.” This new system will introduce three new “beyond A” grades. These grades will be A+, A++, A+++.

Right now energy labeling for appliances had proven to be hugely successful since the scheme first came about in 1992. However, the European Union is now seeking to raise the bar for the top grades, because improvements in energy efficiency over the past decade mean that 90 percent of appliances sold in the European Union are currently an A class. Since this is the best existing class, the European Union wants to expand more.

Supporters of the change claim that the new labels could have a significant impact on household energy consumption. However, critics have warned that the new system will be confusing to customers. It would allow firms to continue to label products that are no longer among the most energy efficient available as A rated.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has, of course, welcomed the proposal. They noted that they are already in the early stages of working with retailers to ensure customers understand the new labels.