Electric equipment is going to have to be more energy efficient under a bill signed into law by Governor Jim Douglas.
The law applies to new furnaces, industrial transformers, lamps and power supplies for things like laptop computers sold in Vermont.
Those involved in the legislation say Vermont’s move to greater efficiency was eased by the fact that neighboring states have adopted or are in the process of adopting similar standards.
Efficiency is likely to become more important as some of the contracts under which Vermont currently gets its power expire.
Backers of the legislation say more efficient appliances may cost more to buy initially, but will save money in the long run by reducing power consumption.