All articles tagged with #consumer choice
Originally Published 23 days ago — by TipRanks
LG has stated it respects consumer choice as Microsoft’s stock rises, following LG’s reversal on its stance regarding Copilot, a feature related to AI assistance, indicating a shift in their position on AI integration in products.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by News10NBC
The National Association of Realtors has agreed to a $418 million settlement that will change the way commissions are paid in the homebuying process. The settlement comes after home sellers claimed that the current system unfairly inflated commissions. As a result, agents will no longer be able to advertise commissions on the Multiple Listing Service, and must sign upfront agreements with buyers for transparency. While some experts believe commissions may ultimately go down, critics argue that this could hurt first-time homebuyers who may need more realtor assistance. However, consumer advocates argue that the changes will ultimately benefit consumers by mandating full transparency and giving them more choice in selecting real estate services.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNBC
Automakers are scaling back or delaying their electric vehicle plans as consumer demand for EVs has not met expectations, leading to a more mixed offering of vehicles with gas-powered, hybrid, and fully-electric options. Despite the slowdown, EV sales are still predicted to increase in the years to come, with industry strategy potentially shifting due to political pressures and the need to meet federal vehicle emissions and fuel economy requirements.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Texas Tribune
After years of desiring a more competitive electricity market, residents of Lubbock, Texas, are finally getting their wish as the city's electric market opens up. With over 30 companies to choose from, residents are finding the process overwhelming, and concerns linger about finding a new low rate. Despite the challenges, the switch to the state's open marketplace represents a significant milestone for the city, which has invested millions in the move. As the deadline approaches, residents are diligently researching their options to find the best deals and perks, with about 45% having already chosen their provider.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Verge
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the Right to Repair Act into law, making it easier for device owners to repair their devices themselves or take them to independent repair shops. The law requires manufacturers to provide tools, parts, software, and documentation for devices priced above $100 for seven years after production. This move may have a nationwide impact, as California is one of the largest economies and home to major device makers like Apple and Google. The law is effective from July 1st, 2021, with some exceptions for game consoles and alarm systems.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
The Biden administration has announced new energy efficiency regulations targeting gas-powered furnaces, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower household utility costs. The regulations require non-weatherized gas furnaces and those used in mobile homes to achieve a higher level of efficiency, with a fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95%. This would remove cheaper, less efficient furnaces from the market, but consumers who replace their furnaces would face costly installation fees. The Department of Energy estimates that the regulations would save $1.5 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 332 million metric tons over the next three decades. However, critics argue that the regulations limit consumer choice and increase costs. The Biden administration has also implemented energy efficiency standards for other appliances and plans to introduce regulations for additional appliances in the future.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
The House voted in favor of the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which would strike down California's electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The bill, supported by 214 Republicans and eight Democrats, argues that EV mandates would harm the economy and violate consumer choice. The legislation aims to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from granting waivers to states seeking to ban or limit internal combustion engine vehicles. California's EV mandate, which bans gas-powered cars and mandates electric cars by 2035, has been celebrated by Democratic lawmakers for its potential to reduce pollution and combat climate change. The White House has indicated that President Biden would veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by News 12 New Jersey
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is pushing forward with a plan to only allow the sale of new electric vehicles in the state starting in 2035, following the lead of states like California. The proposal would require 35% of new cars sold in 2027 to be electric, with the percentage increasing annually. Supporters argue that it is necessary to address the climate crisis, while opponents, including car dealerships, express concerns about increased prices and limited consumer choice. The Murphy administration aims to have the regulation in place by the end of this year, with a public comment period expected to begin in late August.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
The Biden administration is expected to finalize regulations restricting which home gas-powered furnaces consumers are able to purchase in the future, which would restrict consumer choice, drive prices higher, and likely have a low impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The regulations would require furnaces to achieve an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 95% by 2029, meaning manufacturers would only be allowed to sell furnaces that convert at least 95% of fuel into heat within six years. The regulations would largely take non-condensing gas furnaces off the market, which are generally less efficient but cheaper, and consumers who replace their non-condensing furnace with a condensing furnace after the rule is implemented face hefty installation costs.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
Titan Casket, an online casket retailer, is disrupting the funeral industry by offering affordable caskets directly to consumers. The company sells thousands of caskets a year, with prices averaging around $1,000, compared to the industry average of over $2,000. The company's success is due to an obscure Federal Trade Commission ruling from 1984, which allows customers to buy caskets from wherever they choose. While the funeral industry may be dying, Titan Casket is providing consumers with greater choice and transparency.