In this consultation, CAP and BCAP propose rules to reflect advertising provisions in the Energy Information Regulations 2011. The Energy Information Regulations contain labelling and information requirements for specific products, including refrigerators, freezers, electric ovens, dishwashers and televisions. Other products may be brought within scope of the Regulations over time.
The Regulations aim to allow consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy based on energy consumption information. Products covered by the Regulations are rated on a colour coding scale. Highly energy efficient products get a dark green rating; the least energy efficient are coded red. There are also classes, rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Additional classes (A+, A++ and A+++) may be added to the label over time if more differentiation is needed at the top of the scale.
The Regulations have two advertising-related provisions. One is a requirement that consumers are presented with technical information on energy-related products before they buy. This information should be provided in a “product fiche”.
The other requirement is that ads for energy-related products that give price or energy-related information should also give the product’s energy efficiency class.
CAP and BCAP’s consultation document sets out the legal and policy background in detail, together with the proposed rules.
CAP and BCAP published an evaluation table to respond to significant points made during the consultation. CAP and BCAP also drew up a guidance document for the rules, following requests from consultation respondents. Both documents are included here.