The introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards combined with better energy labeling could save the U.K. £900m according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Defra has launched a new consultation looking into how best to implement the measures as part of a Europe-wide plan to reduce the energy consumption of household products.
The consultation will discuss how to ensure a fair environment in which manufacturers can compete, while guaranteeing consumers that the products they purchase meet all the mandatory minimum energy performance standards.
The EU has estimated that such measures could cut the continent’s energy consumption by ten per cent, dramatically reducing household the cost of bills.
Last week, new environment minister, Dan Norris MP, said: “It is really important that we hear from businesses and manufacturers to get a well rounded view of how we can enforce and check on the energy standards of products.
“These standards can save our economy so much money and can save millions of tonnes of CO2 from going into the atmosphere.”