Typical energy consumption explained as a meaningful copier spec

Typical energy consumption (TEC) is the standardised energy spec that lets buyers compare office MFPs on a like for like basis. The value summarises how much electricity a device uses in a defined test week that simulates typical office activity, providing one number that captures the device's overall energy profile. Reading the TEC value alongside other procurement criteria turns energy consumption from a vague consideration into a calculable cost factor. The piece below explains the TEC measurement, how to convert it into annual operating cost, and how to use it for genuine comparison between candidate devices.

The TEC test methodology

The TEC test runs the device through a defined sequence of activities over five working days. Each day includes a fixed amount of printing, defined by the device's rated print speed, followed by idle time and overnight sleep. The test extends across the weekend with the device in sleep mode, ending on Monday morning. The energy meter records total consumption across the week.

The standardisation matters because it lets comparison work. Two devices tested under the same conditions produce comparable TEC values. Comparing manufacturer marketing claims about energy efficiency is less meaningful, since each manufacturer might emphasise different aspects under different assumptions. TEC normalises the comparison.

TEC ranges by device class

Converting TEC to annual operating cost

The calculation shows the order of magnitude. A single mid market device's annual energy cost is modest, but the fleet level cost across a service life adds up to a meaningful number. The cost factor becomes significant when comparing devices: a fleet of 10 devices at TEC of 2.0 versus the same fleet at TEC of 4.0 means €1,310 versus €2,620 across the 7 year service life.

TEC versus power rating

Some marketing materials cite peak power consumption (watts during active printing) rather than TEC. The peak power tells a different story: how much power the device draws when actively printing. A device with 1,200 watt peak power but excellent sleep behaviour can have lower TEC than a device with 800 watt peak that stays in active state longer between sleep transitions.

TEC integrates across the full operating cycle and represents the realistic energy bill. Peak power is interesting for electrical capacity planning (does the office circuit need to handle the load) but less useful for sustainability and operating cost decisions. Where both numbers are available, TEC is the more meaningful one for procurement.

How TEC scales with usage volume

The TEC value assumes a defined usage volume during the test week. Real office usage varies, with the actual energy consumption scaling roughly linearly with how much the device prints. A device with TEC of 2.0 kWh used at twice the test volume consumes roughly 4.0 kWh per week. A device used at half the test volume consumes roughly 1.0 kWh per week, dominated by the sleep mode consumption.

The scaling matters for offices with usage well above or below typical levels. High volume offices should focus on the active printing energy efficiency. Low volume offices should focus on the sleep mode efficiency, since sleep mode dominates the cumulative energy use.

TEC in tender specifications

Public sector and large private sector procurements increasingly include TEC requirements in tender specifications. A typical specification might require TEC at or below 2.0 kWh per week for mid market mono MFPs and 3.0 kWh per week for mid market colour MFPs. The requirement excludes the lowest efficiency candidates without limiting the field unduly.

The TEC values are verifiable through the Energy Star registry, which lets procurement teams confirm bidder claims without relying on the bidder's own marketing material. The verification step removes a category of procurement risk and supports defensible award decisions.

Beyond TEC: the broader energy story

TEC covers the device's direct energy consumption during operation. The complete energy story includes the embodied energy in manufacturing, the energy used during transportation, and the energy implications of consumables. Office buyers concerned with the full energy footprint look at EPEAT registration alongside TEC, since EPEAT incorporates the broader categories that TEC alone does not capture.

For most office procurement decisions, TEC plus EPEAT provides the practical environmental signal. TEC tells you the operating energy cost, EPEAT tells you the broader environmental practices. Together they cover the procurement questions that office buyers can realistically influence through their device choice.