May 9, 2025
EU consumers will save energy due to new restrictions on the 'standby' modes of electrical devices.
Revised EU regulations concerning the energy consumption of electrical appliances in standby, off mode, and networked standby will come into effect on 9 May 2025. Formally adopted in April 2023, these new ecodesign rules set updated limits for electrical products in standby mode.
These modifications reflect technological advancements and expand limits to include products with low voltage external power supplies, such as Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers. For the first time, limits will also be imposed on motor-operated furniture and building elements, like motorized desks, blinds, and curtains, which are increasingly sold in the EU.
The new measures are expected to result in annual electricity savings of 4 TWh by 2030, equivalent to nearly double Malta's yearly electricity consumption and sufficient to power over 1 million electric cars, while also cutting CO2 emissions by 1.4 million tonnes. Consumers are likely to see reduced energy costs, with collective annual savings projected at €530 million by 2030, and even more as older appliances are gradually replaced by compliant new ones.
Additionally, the new regulations mandate that detailed information about standby mode consumption be made available, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. Implementation begins on 9 May, with limits introduced in two phases over the next four years.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, stated:
"We often overlook how much energy devices like Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers consume in standby mode, which results in unnecessary costs. The enhanced ecodesign rules will significantly help lower energy bills for citizens and conserve energy. By 2030, we will save enough energy to power over 1 million electric cars. Reducing energy use decreases our imports, strengthens energy security, and aids climate action."
Background:
Many electrical appliances continue to draw power even when turned off or in standby mode. Since 2008, the EU has implemented internal market rules requiring minimum efficiency standards. These rules were updated in 2013 to include the standby consumption of networked devices. This regulation encompasses a vast range of products (approximately 800 million sold annually, with an estimated 5 billion in use across the EU).
A further revision was adopted in April 2023 after the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers did not object to the proposed regulation by the Commission, with the first new limit values taking effect on 9 May 2025. These requirements will only pertain to new products released on the EU market from that date, in line with the standard application of EU ecodesign rules.
The revision also revokes Commission Regulation (EC) No 107/2009 concerning ecodesign requirements for simple set-top boxes, as it is no longer relevant due to market changes.
These modifications reflect technological advancements and expand limits to include products with low voltage external power supplies, such as Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers. For the first time, limits will also be imposed on motor-operated furniture and building elements, like motorized desks, blinds, and curtains, which are increasingly sold in the EU.
The new measures are expected to result in annual electricity savings of 4 TWh by 2030, equivalent to nearly double Malta's yearly electricity consumption and sufficient to power over 1 million electric cars, while also cutting CO2 emissions by 1.4 million tonnes. Consumers are likely to see reduced energy costs, with collective annual savings projected at €530 million by 2030, and even more as older appliances are gradually replaced by compliant new ones.
Additionally, the new regulations mandate that detailed information about standby mode consumption be made available, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. Implementation begins on 9 May, with limits introduced in two phases over the next four years.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, stated:
"We often overlook how much energy devices like Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers consume in standby mode, which results in unnecessary costs. The enhanced ecodesign rules will significantly help lower energy bills for citizens and conserve energy. By 2030, we will save enough energy to power over 1 million electric cars. Reducing energy use decreases our imports, strengthens energy security, and aids climate action."
Background:
Many electrical appliances continue to draw power even when turned off or in standby mode. Since 2008, the EU has implemented internal market rules requiring minimum efficiency standards. These rules were updated in 2013 to include the standby consumption of networked devices. This regulation encompasses a vast range of products (approximately 800 million sold annually, with an estimated 5 billion in use across the EU).
A further revision was adopted in April 2023 after the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers did not object to the proposed regulation by the Commission, with the first new limit values taking effect on 9 May 2025. These requirements will only pertain to new products released on the EU market from that date, in line with the standard application of EU ecodesign rules.
The revision also revokes Commission Regulation (EC) No 107/2009 concerning ecodesign requirements for simple set-top boxes, as it is no longer relevant due to market changes.