A new set of energy efficiency measures which aim to reduce household energy bills in the European Union (EU) by more than 40 euros ($48.39) per year became effective January 1.

The measures, agreed to by all EU governments and endorsed by industry, consumer groups and green campaigners, are also aimed at reducing Europe's energy consumption and benefit the environment.

Under the new rules, many household electrical devices including routers, hubs, modems, smart televisions and printers will be able to switch automatically into a low power standby mode if no main task is performed. The rules also require energy consumption labels that use equal standards in online shopping.