Davies presses for more EU rules to save money

Chris Davies MEP

A Rochdale MEP is calling for an EU law to be toughened up to help cut energy use and save money.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies told the European Parliament's environment committee today that the EU's 2009 Eco-Design Directive was forcing manufacturers to introduce more efficient electrical devices.

The law sets new standards for a growing range of products, and bans the sale of equipment that does not comply.

Mr Davies said: "EU rules come in for plenty of criticism but this one is driving forward industrial innovation, promoting more efficient design and saving people money."

The improvements being promoted by the law are expected to reduce EU electricity use by as much as is generated by more than 60 coal power stations.