How the new energy standards will work

California has imposed energy efficiency standards on portable electronics chargers that will affect just about every home and business in the Golden State.

Q: What’s the problem with chargers?

A: They waste as much as 60% of the energy they consume, even when no device is connected.


Q: What devices are covered by the new mandates?

A: Cellphones, laptop and tablet computers, power tools, toothbrushes, razors and hundreds of other consumer electronics items. The rules also cover industrial goods such as electric forklifts and commercial items such as walkie-talkies and portable bar-code scanners.

Q: When do the rules take effect?

A: Feb. 1, 2013, for consumer goods; Jan. 1, 2014, for industrial equipment; Jan. 1, 2017, for small commercial chargers.


Source: California Energy Commission