John Lewis has teamed up with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) to launch a product-labelling trial that, for the first time, puts lifetime electricity costs on washing machines, washer dryers and tumble dryers.
The six-month trial, launched in September, will test the effect of displaying average lifetime electricity running costs on products, alongside the kilowatt hours (kWh) per year (kWh appear as 'units' of energy on electricity bills).
The Decc hopes clear labels that include both elements will lead to an increase in the number of energy-efficient products being sold. By choosing a more energy efficient washer dryer when replacing an old appliance, for example, consumers could save more than £500 on its lifetime energy costs.
Based on a successful trial in Norway, the UK pilot was announced as part of the government's Energy Efficiency Strategy in November 2012, after it was shown that a lack of trusted and appropriate information is a major barrier to consumers being more energy efficient.
The government has been working with the commercial sector and local authorities on how to improve the uptake of energy-efficient products by thinking about how people respond to the incentives they are given, either as individuals or communities.
Wasting money
Research has shown that carbon emissions can be reduced by simply telling people about what other people living in similar households are doing to manage their emissions, or how much money they may be wasting by being relatively energy inefficient
Energy and climate secretary, Ed Davey, said: "In the past, people have had no idea how much their appliances will add to their energy bills. Now consumers will be able to see clear, simple information on the lifetime electricity costs for appliances like washing machines and tumble dryers. This will help people to make more-informed decisions and see how much an appliance is expected to cost over its lifetime.
"This new trial with John Lewis – one of Britain's biggest high street names – will help raise consumer awareness of energy running costs. I hope it leads to more retailers rolling out clearer labelling."
Stephen Cawley, head of sustainability at John Lewis, said: "The new labelling is designed to provide customers with lifetime running costs of washing machines, tumble dryers and washer dryers, so that they are able to make more-informed decisions when purchasing new models.
"We look forward to reviewing the results of the trial and seeing how customers respond to more transparent labelling around the energy efficiency of products."
