A:Answer Jesse, the government sets standards on energy ratings. Electronics that use a specific amount of reduced energy to operate, which is less than normal for other comparable devices, earn an energy star rating. If it is equal to or exceeds the normal energy usage, it doesn't earn a star. I wouldn't be too concerned with energy star ratings. The amount of money it saves you annually probably wouldn't buy you a happy meal, nor would it give you a big kick back on your taxes.