UK proposes standby power limits that could slow smart device start-up

Consultation seeks to align with EU rules, aiming to cut household energy waste

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published24 October 2026

Read Time2 min

The UK government has launched a consultation on new standby power regulations for smart devices, drawing on recent EU changes. The proposed caps on power consumption in standby and off modes could reduce household energy bills but may increase the time it takes for devices such as smart TVs and robot vacuums to turn on.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said current standards have not kept pace with technological advances. "Smart devices shouldn't hit people's pockets," a spokesperson told The Independent, "that's why we're improving our standards to stop everyday devices silently draining money from families' bank accounts." The consultation document states that the revised regulations are "designed to deliver ongoing benefits by reducing the power consumed by products in off mode, standby mode and networked standby" and will ensure "newer standards are applied to a wider range of devices."

The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Andrew Bowie, the shadow energy secretary, told The Telegraph that "Labour's net zero obsession is reaching into people's living rooms, threatening to make everyday household gadgets slower, more irritating and less convenient." He argued that families are "fed up with being lectured, restricted and made to pay more for the privilege of going about their daily lives."

The regulations would apply to a range of products including televisions, robot vacuum cleaners, air fryers and voice-activated lighting. The government expects that aligning with EU rules will allow manufacturers to treat both markets consistently.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The change could affect millions of UK households with smart devices, potentially increasing boot-up times while reducing energy waste.
The consultation reflects a broader push to improve energy efficiency and lower household bills, but also raises questions about convenience versus environmental goals.
The outcome may influence UK manufacturers already serving both UK and EU markets.

Background

The EU recently revised its standby and off-mode power consumption rules for electronic devices. The UK government's consultation, launched in October 2026, proposes adopting similar limits. The move comes as smart devices have become common in UK homes, but regulatory standards have not been updated to reflect their increased energy demands.

Key Perspectives

DESNZ spokesperson: The new standards will stop devices from silently draining money from families' bank accounts by limiting standby power consumption. Andrew Bowie (shadow energy secretary): The changes are part of a net zero obsession that will make gadgets slower and more inconvenient, lecturing families and increasing costs.

What to Watch

The outcome of the consultation and whether the proposed caps are adjusted based on industry and public feedback.
The reaction from device manufacturers, who may face design changes to comply with the new limits.
The potential for the policy to be challenged or altered under political pressure, especially if consumer complaints arise over slower devices.

Sources

Smart TVs could take longer to switch on as UK seeks to follow EU rule · The Independent UK

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe UK is proposing standby power limits that could slow smart-device start-up.The Independent UK: “The changes would set a cap for how much power such devices can consume when in standby mode... this has the potential to increase the time they would take to switch on again.”
SupportedThe consultation seeks to align with EU rules and aims to cut household energy waste.The Independent UK: “The proposed regulations are drawn on recent changes made by the EU.”
SupportedThe government launched a consultation on proposed changes based on recent EU changes.The Independent UK: “The government has launched a consultation for proposed changes to how smart household products... would work when they are turned off or on standby. ... The proposed regulations are drawn on recent changes made by the EU.”
Partly supportedDESNZ said current standards have not kept pace with technological advances.The Independent UK: “the consultation says that the UK ’s minimum standards to regulate them have “not kept pace with technological progress”.”
Partly supportedThe proposed caps cover power consumption in both standby and off modes.The Independent UK: “The changes would set a cap for how much power such devices can consume when in standby mode”
SupportedThe proposals could increase the time smart devices take to turn on.The Independent UK: “But this has the potential to increase the time they would take to switch on again.”
SupportedThe proposed caps could reduce household energy bills.The Independent UK: “Improving efficiency standards will limit the amount of electricity devices can use in standby mode, cutting the amount of wasted energy and saving households money on bills.”
SupportedA DESNZ spokesperson said, “Smart devices shouldn't hit people's pockets” and that standards are being improved to stop devices draining money from families' bank accounts.The Independent UK: ““Smart devices shouldn’t hit people’s pockets – that’s why we’re improving our standards to stop everyday devices silently draining money from families’ bank accounts.””
SupportedThe consultation says the revised regulations are designed to reduce power use in off, standby and networked standby modes and apply newer standards to more devices.The Independent UK: “The revised regulations are designed to deliver ongoing benefits by reducing the power consumed by products in off mode, standby mode and networked standby. “Such measures ensure that newer standards are applied to a wider range of devices”
Partly supportedThe proposal has drawn criticism from opposition politicians.The Independent UK: “However, Andrew Bowie, the shadow energy secretary, told The Telegraph:”
SupportedAndrew Bowie said Labour's net-zero policy threatened to make household gadgets slower, more irritating and less convenient.The Independent UK: ““Labour ’s net zero obsession is reaching into people’s living rooms, threatening to make everyday household gadgets slower, more irritating and less convenient.””
SupportedAndrew Bowie said families were fed up with being lectured, restricted and made to pay more.The Independent UK: ““Families are fed up with being lectured, restricted and made to pay more for the privilege of going about their daily lives.””