Revised EU rules for the energy consumption of electrical appliances in standby, off mode, and networked standby will apply from 9 May 2025. Formally adopted in April 2023, the new ecodesign rules include updated limits for electrical products in 'standby' mode. 

The changes take into account technological advances in recent years and extend limits to products using low voltage external power supplies, such as Wi-Fi routers and wireless speakers. For the first time, limits also apply to motor-operated furniture and building elements (for example, motor-operated desks, blinds and curtains) as such products are sold in increasing volumes in the EU.

These new measures are projected to achieve annual electricity savings of 4 TWh by 2030 - nearly double Malta's annual electricity consumption and enough to power more than 1 million electric cars - and reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.4 million tonnes. Consumers are expected to benefit from lower energy bills, with collective savings estimated at €530 million annually by 2030 and much more after that, as and when existing appliances are gradually replaced with new ones meeting the lower limits.

The new rules also require that detailed information on standby mode consumption is made accessible, empowering consumers to make informed purchase decisions. The regulation's roll-out begins on 9 May, with certain limits being applied in 2 phases over the next 4 years.

Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, said: