Introducing minimum energy-efficiency levels on white household goods like washing machines and fridges could reduce prices from energy suppliers by £900 million.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is taking part in a European consultation into how prices and emissions can be reduced, with the EU estimating that a ten per cent reduction in energy consumption could result from more efficient white goods.
Under consideration at the moment is how to set minimum efficiency levels while also maintaining competition in the consumer markets.
Environment minister Dan Norris said: “It is really important that we hear from businesses and manufacturers to get a well rounded view of how we can enforce and check on the energy standards of products.”
He added that new standards could help tackle the pressing issue of global warming as much as it could result in lower domestic energy bills.
The UK government recently announced plans to roll-out millions of smart meters that would enable homeowners to monitor their energy use on a minute-by-minute basis.