The call follows research carried out by the National Consumer Council that found consumers were being left in the dark when it came to choosing the most energy efficient televisions, computers and DVD players.

Out of 350 items researched, only one item – a television – had an energy label sticker on it.

Director Martyn Evans said: "People are rightly becoming more aware of energy usage but they are not being helped to make the best choices. Manufacturers and retailers of electronic goods have a responsibility to make this information available to empower customers to buy what is right for them.”

“At a time when we are all being encouraged to do our bit to reduce global warming, it is vital that consumers are given this sort of information.”

Evans added that the Council also wanted the government to make energy-efficient products more affordable to those on low incomes. “This could be done by introducing a lower rate of VAT, for example, on greener products.”

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