Dishwashers, TVs and fridge freezers are among the domestic white goods to be allocated a new energy saving rating label, set to launch on 20 June 2011.

The new label now has ratings from A*** to D, and will also display the amount of energy the product uses per kWh.

Launched by the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs and passed by the European Commission, the updated labels will help consumers make energy efficient choices when buying products for their homes. The introduction of the new label will see televisions use the system for the first time. Washing machines, dishwashers and freezers have been required to display the labels since 1992. 

The label will be compulsory on household fridges and freezers; washing machines, tumble dryers and washer dryers; dishwashers; air conditioners; electric ovens; light bulbs; and from December 2011, televisions.

A campaign has been launched alongside the announcement, and is being endorsed by environment secretary Caroline Spelman.

“Consumers want to make the right decisions when buying new goods that use less energy and bring down household bills,” Ms Spelman said.

Defra say they envisage the label will be used more widely in the future on products such as boilers and vacuum cleaners. They added that the energy ratings will also appear in adverts, and not just at point of sale.

www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/04/11/new-energy-labelling/