California becomes the first state to require energy-efficient chargers

California is now officially the first state to require energy efficient chargers from consumer electronics companies. The California Energy Commission voted 3 to 0 to approve legislation that would force phone, tablet and laptop makers to bundle their devices with energy savvy chargers startging from February 1st, 2013.

With estimates showing that 13% of the electricity the state consumes eaten up by electronics, this could save enough to power up 350,000 homes. In other measurements, this could also bring $306 million back to Californians’ pockets.

The more energy thrifty chargers though might result in a higher price on consumer electronics. The technology, though, is allegedly already there for the big companies like Apple, Samsung and Nokia. Another issue to deal with is overcharging devices - users often don’t plug the phone off after it’s gotten fully juiced up. The effort to go green will pay off in the long term, though, so would you be willing to pay slightly more for a greener device?

source: IntoMobile