By 1 January 2014, a first-in-the-nation Californian energy efficiency standard will require battery chargers for forklifts and other industrial equipment to consume less power while performing the same service.
In addition, the state's California Energy Commission wants 1 January 2013 compliance by consumer battery chargers commonly used to power cellular telephones, laptop computers, power tools and other devices.
The commission says the proposed standard can save nearly 2,200 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually or sufficient energy to power nearly 350,000 homes. The commission says battery charger inefficiency wastes 5,360 GWh of electricity annually in California.
The commission began working on an energy efficiency standard in April 2008 and unanimously voted for its adoption on 12 January.
The commission's staff had collaborated with major utility companies, environmental organisations, manufacturing interests and consumer groups in working to develop cost-effective, feasible regulations.
In the past, Californian energy efficiency standards have become the basis for federal standards.