The rules, which were agreed by all EU Governments, aim to reduce member states’ household energy bills by more than £30 a year as well as greatly benefitting the environment.

According to EU figures, by 2020 consumers using energy efficient products in their homes could save more than £300 a year.

Under the new rules, consumers shopping online for home appliances and electronics will be able to better compare the product’s energy efficiency level.

Electrical devices such as televisions, printers and other devices capable of connecting to a network will be require to switch off or to standby mode when not in use.

Coffee machines

Even coffee machines are incorporated, which must switch off or onto standby mode if left unused for a certain amount of time. According to European Commission figures, consumers using a drip filter machine could save up to £35 over the product’s lifetime.

The measures have been strongly endorsed by industry, consumer groups and green campaigners, including the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC).

BEUC director Monique Goyens said: “Improving the energy consumption levels of everyday consumer products is the right approach to contribute some relief to consumers from increasing energy bills.

“With purchases increasingly moving online it makes perfect sense for shoppers to have a useful energy label at their disposal to compare products.”

Lois Vallely

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