The energy use of set-top boxes in Canada was reduced for the fourth consecutive year, now down 55% (from 116 to 52 kWh/yr) since the
Canadian Energy Efficiency Voluntary Agreement (CEEVA) for Set-Top Boxes (STB) was established in 2017, according to an annual independent audit
report.
The report shows that 99% of all new set-top boxes – devices that allow consumers to receive television programming and related services – purchased in 2020 met the CEEVA efficiency levels, surpassing the energy efficiency goals set in the agreement.
CEEVA participants are comprised of a variety of internet and television service providers (Bell Canada, Cogeco, Rogers Communications, Shaw Communications and Videotron), as well as manufacturers (CommScope, EchoStar Technologies and Technicolor), and supporting organizations (Consumer Technology Association and CableLabs), who remain committed to improving the energy efficiency of equipment used by consumers. The participants represent the majority of the Canadian residential Pay TV market and broadband internet services market.
Building on the success of the set-top box agreement, CEEVA participants implemented a second program for small network equipment (SNE) – devices that allow consumers to receive broadband services, such as routers and modems. The report found that 100% of small network equipment purchases met the CEEVA energy efficiency levels in 2020.
“We are proud to be improving the health of Canada’s natural environment while simultaneously supporting the innovations and advances in technology that our customers expect,” said Lorenza De Teresa of Videotron and CEEVA Steering Committee Chair.
“Reaching these energy efficiency goals for set-top boxes and small network equipment by Canada’s leading internet and television service providers and manufacturers is an important milestone toward reducing emissions and saving consumers money on energy costs,” said Doug Johnson, vice president, emerging technology policy, Consumer Technology Association.
CEEVA STB and SNE were developed in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), provincial governments and leading internet and television service providers and manufacturers with the goal to drive improvements to energy efficiency while encouraging innovation and competition. CEEVA continues to work with NRCan towards Canada’s larger goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 through policies and programs that lower energy costs for products.
