THE least energy efficient TVs will be taken off the shelves of some of the UK’s leading electrical retailers as part of a new commitment to reduce energy waste.

Eight leading retailers – Best Buy UK; Comet; Co-operative Electrical; DSGi (Currys and PC World); John Lewis Partnership; Home Retail Group (Argos); Marks & Spencer; and Sainsbury’s – have voluntarily joined a new scheme launched by the Energy Saving Trust and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to remove the least energy efficient TVs from their stock, and educate shoppers about the benefit of buying an energy efficient TV.

The commitment means that all televisions sold by these companies will meet new minimum efficiency standards, at least a year in advance of the EU introducing these regulations for all retailers in July 2012. The Energy Saving Trust is working with the industry to encourage other retailers to follow suit and voluntarily sign-up to join the initiative.

Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Environment Minister Dan Norris MP, said: “I’m pleased that so many of our leading electrical stores have made this commitment to remove the least energy efficient TVs from their shelves. There is more work to be done to further improve the energy efficiency of these products but, with a World Cup around the corner when we know some people will be thinking of buying a new TV, it’s great for them to know that the models sold by these retailers will save them money on their energy bills and help the environment.”

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, added: “We are delighted to see such commitment from the UK retailers. Their decision to prioritise best performing TV in their stock will help shoppers make a real impact to reduce their household carbon emissions and save cash. We urge people to shop wisely when deciding on their new television. “This World Cup, each football fan buying a new energy saving recommended 42” LCD TV instead of the worst performing model, could save around £42 per year off their electricity bills – that’s enough cash to buy themselves the brand new England away shirt and a celebratory (or consolatory) pint down the pub.

“The opportunity for consumers to make a difference to their household carbon emissions (and pockets) is vast, particularly if the TV is on more hours than average, for example during the World Cup event.”