Power-wasting appliances face chop in EU moves
Toasters, juicers and treadmills are the latest appliances facing European Union power restrictions.
In its attempt to reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent by 2030, the EU has produced a list of 30 appliances that it believes could have their output reduced or be banned altogether.
The ‘‘Ecodesign’’ directives follow on from the banning of powerful vacuum cleaners.
Retailers report panic-buying of models of more than 1600 watts. The online electrical retailer ao.com said weekly sales had soared 380 per cent compared with the first week of last month. Currys, a UK domestic appliance retailer, said sales were up 94 per cent compared with 12 months ago.
It has already been revealed that the list of 30 appliances, which is to be whittled down to 20, includes hairdryers, kettles and smartphones. It has now emerged that kitchen appliances, including juicers and rice cookers, are under threat, along with ‘‘leisure’’ items, treadmills and patio heaters.
Marlene Holzner, of the European Commission’s energy department, tried to placate consumers. She said similar legislation already applied to washing
Toasters considered energy inefficient face a ban by the European Union, as do other everyday household appliances. machines and televisions, and households ‘‘use a third of the energy they used before’’.
She said: ‘‘Before we even think about regulating a product we want to have proof that there will be no negative effects for the consumer and that there will be a considerable energy saving.’’
The EU energy commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, said cutting sales of appliances with exceptionally high wattages was necessary to fight climate change.
‘‘All EU countries agree that energy efficiency is the most effective method to reduce energy consumption and dependence on imports and to improve the climate,’’ he said.