Delays to energy efficient goods will cost EU consumers 'billions' in lost savings

New eco-designs for products such as TVs and fridges are also crucial to Europe meeting its climate targets, say experts

New energy efficient eco-designs for 15 products including fridges, TVs and dishwashers have been delayed, EU diplomats say, even though experts consider them "crucial" to meeting Europe's Paris climate pledge. The delays are also expected to mean consumers will miss out on lower energy bills.

The design revamps would have saved 62m tonnes of CO2 emissions - as much as Sweden's annual primary energy consumption - but now look set to be dealt with by the next commission, in which far right parties may be more influential.