Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe has welcomed new energy labels for white goods, which come into force from 1st March 2021. The new labels will encourage manufacturers to improve product efficiency by making a revised A-rating more difficult to obtain.From Monday, March 1st, consumers will notice new energy rating labels on dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and displays -including televisions. Replacing the current A to D labels which feature the A+++, A++, and A+ grades, the new A to G scale is expected to provide more clarity to consumers making it easier to compare energy efficiency between products. Additionally, no appliance will be given an A rating as this is intended for appliances that will have higher energy performance in the future than those currently on the market.EU legislation for energy labels and ecodesign- which requires manufacturers to make their products more repairable, is estimated to bring energy savings of approximately 230 Mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) by 2030. For consumers, this means an average savings of up to €285 per year on household energy bills. Additionally, energy efficiency measures will create €66 billion in extra revenue for European companies providing much-needed funds as our economies look towards Covid recovery.Ciarán Cuffe Green MEP for Dublin said “In recent years, it seemed that almost every appliance received an A or A+ rating. This was confusing consumers, and I am glad that the scale has been re-adjusted to encourage improvements in product design.The more simplified A-G energy labelling is a welcome step that is good for consumers, businesses and the planet. Energy rating labels are a great way to protect consumers from buying appliances that may have a low upfront price point but very high-energy costs making them significantly more expensive for the life cycle of the appliance. If we are serious about achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 across the EU, other rescaled labels should be introduced on a whole range of products, including vacuum cleaners, computers, air conditioners and electric heaters. Improving energy efficiency will reduce emissions while lowering energy costs for people and businesses across Dublin and the EU.”