Is your TV an energy pit? The FTC wants you to know

Is your television an electricity guzzler? The Federal Trade Commission is pondering rules that would require manufacturers to put standardized EnergyGuide labels on TV sets.

The FTC said Thursday it would accept comment until May 14 on the proposal intended to help U.S. consumers make better informed decisions when they buy a television. The yellow-and-black rectangular labels are already required for washing machines, refrigerators and other appliances.

The consumer protection agency wants to hear specifically about whether there is a need for the labels, how the energy usage of TVs should be determined, and the location and format of the stickers.

The FTC said in a notice that EnergyGuide labels “provide useful information such as the estimated yearly cost of operating the appliance and the cost range compared to other similar models.”