Liz Lynne angered by Tory vote to reject energy efficiency move

4.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Liz Lynne, the Libdem Euro MP for the West Midlands has today said she is saddened by Tory MEPs who voted today in support of a confusing new label for refrigerators at the European Parliaments Plenary Session in Strasburg.

The Tories voted with the EPP group in the Parliament on the new label which might now be introduced despite of opposition from consumer and energy saving groups across Europe, including Which? and the Energy Saving Trust in the UK.

The new label proposed by the Commission introduces new categories of efficiency "beyond A": A-20%, A-40% etc. Opponents of the scheme say the new design is incomprehensible and undermines the standard green-to-red A to G approach which was first introduced in 1992 and is understood by over 80% of the population in Europe. Countries outside the EU such as Brazil have also adopted the closed A-G model.

Speaking after the vote Liz, who voted against the EPP's move, said:

"This is a really disappointing decision. Energy efficiency information needs to be clear so that customers understand what they are buying. The normal A- G ratings meant that people could make a choice which would save them money on their energy bills and help the environment into the bargain.

"The system proposed by the Commission and supported by Tory MEPs is confusing and badly thought out. It undermines the whole point of the energy efficient labels.

"It is true that at present, due to technology improving all the time, too many fridges currently on the market are labelled with a green A, giving consumers no clear indication which of those products is the most efficient.

"A much better approach would be to include the year of origin on the A to G label, and recalibrate the classification every few years to deal with improvements in efficiency technology.

"I am frustrated that a few votes from Tory MEPs narrowly lost the vote to block the Commission's proposal. The Tories have failed to listen to what consumer groups have been saying and instead sided with the Commission on these ludicrous proposals."

However, MEPs did succeed in blocking a parallel proposal to use the new label design for televisions.

Liz said:

"Despite the loss on refrigerator labels, I am very pleased that TVs are to receive energy efficiency label for the first time and what is more they will be the classic A-G which everyone understands. I hope the Commission will take the necessary conclusions from this rejection and accept that the classic A to G system must remain."

ENDS