Energy efficiency push: Electronic appliances to soon carry detailed labels for transparency; what it means for you

Consumers will soon be able to verify star rating claims on electronic appliances such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, as they will carry detailed energy efficiency labels aimed to help people make informed choices.According to people familiar with the development,the updated labels are a part of the upcoming ‘Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling) Regulations, 2025.’The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power said in a notification dated 10 July, that the new labels will offer greater transparency, specifying the product’s country of origin, power consumption in easy-to-understand language, a unique serial number and a QR code for traceability.Industry executives cited by ET said that current energy efficiency labels do not provide enough information and are not consumer-friendly. There have also been instances where companies were found making false claims about energy performance. The new labelling system aims to encourage consumers to pick low power-consuming models and curb misleading claims, they added.Apart from common household appliances, manufacturers will also be required to affix these new labels on deep freezers, chillers, ceiling fans, geysers, solar photovoltaic modules, and certain commercial products. The regulations will lay out the process for applying for and obtaining label authorisation, as well as compliance testing and applicable label fees, the BEE said.The rules also mandate that the new labels be prominently displayed on the product itself and at retail stores.BEE has already proposed scrapping older label design rules for certain white goods like air-conditioners, refrigerators and televisions. “There is a revision going on regarding label design. There are altogether five notifications on that,” a government official was quoted as saying.Under BEE’s existing star-rating system, appliances are rated from one star (least efficient) to five stars (most efficient). These ratings are revised every two to four years to reflect updated energy efficiency benchmarks.As per the new norms, each label must display a unique label number, equipment name, brand name, model number, energy performance parameter, label year, rated capacity, star level, validity, country of origin, and the appliance’s serial number. A QR code will also be included for digital verification.ET had earlier reported that the power ministry is working on a plan to incentivise consumers to replace air-conditioners that are 10 years or older with new five-star models, offering them scrapping benefits and discounted prices to support the energy efficiency push.