DOE Issues Final Appliance Test Procedure Rule
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a final rule establishing new test procedures and related definitions to determine the energy efficiency of certain residential appliances and commercial equipment. The rulemaking clarifies and codifies the test procedures mandated by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
"These new test procedures are the foundation for standards that will help bring more energy efficient options to the marketplace and result in energy savings for all Americans," said DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner.
The final rulemaking, which appears in the Dec. 8 Federal Register, will become effective in 30 days. The rule promulgates test procedures and definitions for the following items as required by EPAct 2005: fluorescent lamp ballasts; ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits; illuminated exit signs; torchieres; low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers; traffic signal modules and pedestrian modules; unit heaters; medium base compact fluorescent lamps; dehumidifiers; commercial prerinse spray valves; mercury vapor lamp ballasts; commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers; automatic commercial ice makers; and commercial clothes washers.
DOE is continuing its work to increase the transparency and speed of the appliance standards process. The Appliance Standards Program, a part of DOE?s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, manages test procedures and energy conservation standards for consumer products and commercial equipment.
For more on DOE's Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program, visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards.
This article originally appeared in the 12/01/2006 issue of Environmental Protection.