FTC Amends EnergyGuide Labeling Regulations for Televisions

The Federal Trade Commission is amending its EnergyGuide labeling regulations for televisions to adopt new test procedures set by the Energy Department in October (see 13100401), in a final rule that takes effect May 9. The FTC had originally required television manufacturers to use the ENERGY STAR test procedure to measure energy use (see 11010626), but with DOE's new test procedure set to take effect in April the FTC is now adopting the updated standards. The FTC's final rule also sets a new reporting requirement, with the first reports due in July. For 2014 reports, data submissions need only include models currently in production, and manufacturers should not include test data for models already discontinued, said the FTC. The final rule also exempts from labeling requirements televisions with screen sizes of 15 inches or less.