Saving energy: California clamps down on ‘vampire’ chargers
Wasteful battery chargers for smartphones, tablet computers,
laptops, etc., will be subject to new, stricter rules in the US
state of California. ‘Vampire’ battery chargers can waste up to
60% of the energy they take from electrical outlets. California
is the first US state to confront this problem, with the
California Energy Commission voting unanimously to improve
efficiency standards, which will cover some 170 million
chargers. The manufacturers of consumer appliances of course
strongly objected to the new regulations, despite projections
that the improved energy standards would save $306 million per
year on commercial and residential electricity bills. From the
Los Angeles Times: This means that we can have the devices that
we like in our lives and that make our lives easier. But by
taking a few relatively simple steps to improve battery
chargers, we can save so much electricity, take care of the
environment and save ratepayers money. –Commission