On Wednesday, the California Energy Commission voted 5-0 to adopt the most advanced television energy efficiency standards in the world, reducing consumer costs, electricity use, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The standards require new TVs sold in California with screens less than or equal to 58 inches to be 33 percent more efficient starting in 2011 and 49 percent more efficient starting in 2013. The move is projected to help California consumers cut their electricity bills by almost a billion dollars a year. The new standards will reduce carbon emissions equal to removing 500,000 cars from the road.

TVs currently account for 10 percent of household electricity use and as more consumers choose large screen varieties, their energy consumption rate is increasing eight percent annually.

We applaud the Commission for their hard work during the 18-month public process and look forward to seeing other governments following California’s lead.