The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), broadband internet service providers, and device manufacturers have announced an extension of the "Voluntary Agreement" aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of home internet devices. This initiative will continue through 2028.

The agreement sets forth stricter efficiency standards that are expected to boost the energy efficiency of new devices by an average of 10% starting in 2026. It commits that at least 90% of all new devices purchased by each service provider or sold by each manufacturer annually will comply with these established efficiency levels.

An independent report on over 400 different home internet device models covered by the agreement revealed that 98.6% of equipment purchased or sold by signatories in 2023 met the agreement's efficiency levels. Since 2015, there has been an 89% improvement in the energy efficiency of new home internet devices relative to broadband speeds.

"This voluntary agreement promotes significant energy efficiency improvements and encourages innovation, a win-win for consumers and the planet," stated Ally Peck, senior manager of environmental policy and sustainability at CTA.

Debbie Fitzgerald, distinguished technologist and director at CableLabs, commented: "The voluntary agreement has been instrumental in keeping energy efficiency of home internet equipment at the forefront of standards, development, and design."

Signatories include major U.S. broadband internet service providers such as Altice USA, AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Frontier, and Verizon. These companies represent about 85% of the U.S. wireline internet access market. Manufacturers involved include Actiontec, ASUS, eero, Google, Linksys, Netgear, Plume, Sagemcom, TP-Link, Vantiva, and Ubee Interactive.

PG&E joined this program in 2022 as an "energy efficiency advocate" to ensure commitment rigor and validate progress. Coordination and support for the agreement are provided by CTA, NCTA, and CableLabs.

Further information on the voluntary agreement can be found at energy-efficiency.us.