1 January 2026 : Is your home safe and smart? Now it will be difficult to buy TV without new star rating

News India Live, Digital Desk: Today is the first day of the year and as it happens on every new year, some rules change and some new ones come into force. This time the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has given a very important news for those who were planning to buy a new Smart TV or Refrigerator for home. What has changed in the rule? It used to be that there were many such Smart TVs and Fridges available in the market which did not have any energy rating or ‘star level’. Due to this we were not able to know how much electricity that machine was consuming. But from January 1, 2026, the government has made it clear that now no smart TV or fridge will be sold in the market without BEE Star Rating. This simply means that now companies will have to test every new and old model of theirs as per government standards. If it does not have a star rating sticker on it, it will be considered illegal. How will you benefit from this? If seen, this is a big win for the customers. Often we buy a TV because it is cheap and later that ‘electricity meter’ starts running like a rocket. Now: Lower electricity costs: When every TV has a star (1-star to 5-star), you will be able to choose the right model as per your need. Reliable product: It will be easier to trust the quality of the product which has a government label. Getting rid of old technology: Often companies used to give discounts to clear the old stock, which used to consume a lot of energy. Now it will be closed. There is a big warning for shopkeepers also. This year will be full of challenges for retailers and showroom owners too. They will no longer be able to keep stock in their stores that does not comply with the new guidelines. There is a strict instruction from the government that now only energy saving technology should reach the customers. My advice for you is that if you are planning to buy something new today itself in the joy of New Year, then do not get influenced by the words of the shopkeeper. Look at the label directly on the front of the TV or refrigerator. 5-Star means low electricity bill and long life. This investment may seem a bit expensive today, but it will recoup its value through your savings in the coming months. Start a happy new year by being a smart consumer!