The UK energy label in 2026
An energy label helps you compare the electricity use of appliances in the same product category. In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Energy Information Regulations 2011, as amended, underpin the labelling requirements. The rules apply to products in scope; they do not mean that every electrical item carries the same label. The UK government's current guidance for suppliers and dealers explains which products need a label and how it must be displayed in shops and online.
Labels for certain products have been rescaled from A+++ to G into an A-to-G scale. The change has been introduced by product category, so check the label on the particular appliance you are buying rather than assuming one scale applies to every item. On a rescaled label, A is the most efficient class within that category and G the least efficient. A letter is useful for a quick comparison, but the consumption figure, capacity and features also matter. Energy Saving Trust's appliance guide explains why the right size can be as important as the rating.
What changed from A+++ labels?
Under the older system, many products clustered in the A+, A++ and A+++ classes. Rescaling gives more room to distinguish new models. A product's old letter cannot simply be translated into a fixed new letter: the criteria and measurement methods depend on the product category. An appliance has not suddenly started using more electricity because its displayed class changed. To compare an old appliance with a new one, use the relevant measured consumption and capacity figures where they are available, not a guessed letter conversion.
The change is not a reason to replace a working appliance automatically. Its condition, purchase price, expected use and likely annual electricity consumption all affect the decision. If you are replacing an item anyway, compare models that meet your actual needs. The label can help you choose, but it cannot by itself calculate your household's bill saving or guarantee a financial payback period.
How to estimate running cost
Look for the energy-consumption figure and its unit on the product label or information sheet. Depending on the category, it may be stated per year, per cycle or per 100 cycles. Compare like with like: two fridges should have comparable capacity and features, and two washing machines should be assessed for the loads and programmes you actually use. A larger appliance can consume more electricity even if its class looks better.
For an illustrative yearly figure, multiply the stated kilowatt-hours per year by the price you pay per kilowatt-hour. If one suitable fridge is labelled 240 kWh per year and another 180 kWh per year, the labelled difference is 60 kWh per year; the monetary difference is 60 times your tariff's unit price. Those figures are an example, not the consumption of any particular model. Actual use, settings and tariff can change the result. For a per-cycle label, first estimate your realistic annual number of cycles.
Compare the expected running-cost difference with the purchase-price difference over the period you expect to use the appliance. A higher-rated model is not automatically cheaper overall. Energy Saving Trust recommends considering both the energy rating and the appliance's size when buying a replacement. Its current buying advice provides category-specific examples rather than promising the same saving for every household.
What A, B, C and D tell you
On a product using the rescaled A-to-G label, the class shows how that model performs against the rules for its category. An A-rated product is more efficient by that measure than a lower-rated comparable product, but the letters do not state your exact annual cost. They also do not make an A-rated large appliance necessarily cheaper to run than a smaller, appropriately sized model with a different class. Check the consumption figure and capacity beside the letter.
B, C and D can each be sensible choices depending on size, price, features and availability. There is no universal rule that you must buy only A or B, and a D-rated product is not automatically poor value. Do not compare letters across unrelated categories as if they share one measurement. Use the label and product information sheet for the specific model, then weigh the purchase price against estimated use and any reliability or repair considerations.
Why accurate labels matter
Product labels make energy use visible at the point of sale. UK guidance requires suppliers and dealers to provide and display the correct information for products in scope, including online listings. This lets shoppers compare relevant models on a consistent basis within a category. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Office for Product Safety and Standards guidance sets out those responsibilities and the product-specific rescaling.
Using less electricity can reduce a home's running costs and associated emissions, but the amount depends on how electricity is generated, the appliance chosen and how it is used. An efficiency class does not certify an appliance's durability, repairability or suitability for your kitchen. Choose a suitable size and features first, then compare the label, purchase price, warranty and service support.
Choosing your next appliance
Start with what your household needs. Measure the space, check capacity and consider how often you will use the appliance. Compare the energy information for suitable models, not just the largest class letter on the shelf. For a fridge or freezer that runs continuously, yearly consumption is especially useful; our refrigerator buying guide covers other practical selection points. For other kitchen products, follow the label's unit and the usage pattern that applies to you.
If a model's price is higher, calculate the possible running-cost difference with your own tariff before calling it a saving. Keep your existing appliance in the calculation if you are considering early replacement. Our kitchen energy-saving guide also covers practical ways to reduce wasted energy without necessarily buying something new. A good purchase balances suitable capacity, realistic running cost, reliability and upfront price.
