California has adopted the first compulsory energy efficiency regulations for computers and monitors in the US . Such devices are responsible for 80 % of household and 7 % of commercial electrical costs in the region . The legislation , which is supported by the government , is expected to save consumers $ 373 m and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 tonnes annually . The cost of electricity will rise by approximately $ 14 , but electric costs should fall by $ 40 over five years . Manufacturers are free to choose how to implement the standards , which do not apply to games consoles , industrial computers , handheld devices and large - scale servers .
California has adopted the first compulsory energy efficiency regulations for computers and monitors in the US. Such devices are responsible for 3% of household and 7% of commercial power costs in the region. The plan, which is supported by the industry, is expected to save consumers $373m and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700,000 tonnes annually. The cost of desktops will rise by approximately $14, but electric bills should fall by $40 over five years. Manufacturers are free to choose how to implement the standards, which do not apply to games consoles, industrial computers, handheld devices and large-scale servers.