Power-guzzling TVs to be banned in California

Energy-hungry television sets will soon be banned across California in a landmark move by state legislators to reduce energy consumption.

The state will be the first in the US to impose a mandatory energy curb on TVs, an often-overlooked power drain.

Supporters say the move will help save California residents more than $8bn over 10 years in energy costs.

But some 25% of TVs currently on sale would not meet the minimum standards, an industry group in Virginia said.

The California Energy Commission will require that all new television sets up to 58 inches (147cm) be more energy efficient by 2011, consuming 33% less energy than current sets.