Energy efficiency push: Star ratings become mandatory for refrigerators, TVs, LPG stoves and more from January 1

Energy-efficiency star labelling will become mandatory for a wider range of appliances, including refrigerators, televisions, LPG gas stoves, cooling towers and chillers, from January 1, as part of the government’s push to curb power consumption.According to a gazette notification issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), as reported by PTI, the mandatory star-labelling regime will also cover deep freezers, distribution transformers and grid-connected solar inverters.Earlier, star labelling for several of these products—such as frost-free and direct-cool refrigerators, deep freezers, certain categories of room air-conditioners, colour televisions and ultra-high-definition televisions—was voluntary.An official, who did not wish to be named, said the list of appliances under mandatory star labelling is reviewed and updated periodically to align with evolving energy-efficiency goals.The draft regulations covering the newly added appliances were released in July 2025 for public consultation, and the final notification incorporates feedback received from stakeholders, the official said.Star labelling had already been made compulsory for appliances such as room air conditioners (fixed and variable speed), electric ceiling-type fans, stationary storage electric water heaters, washing machines, tubular fluorescent lamps and self-ballasted LED lamps.The official added that while star labelling was already mandatory for these categories, efficiency norms have since been upgraded to further tighten energy-performance standards.