California Invites Proposals on Energy Efficiency for Many Products
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is moving forward with ambitious energy efficiency rulemaking of importance to industry. It has invited interested stakeholders to submit proposals for standards, test procedures, labeling requirements, and/or other measures that will improve the efficiency and reduce the energy or water consumption of numerous products. Proposals are to be submitted to CEC by July 29, 2013.
CEC says that it will consider proposals for the following products:
- Consumer Electronics: Computers, displays, game consoles, set-top boxes, and network equipment;
- Lighting: Fluorescent dimming ballasts, light-emitting diodes, and multifaceted reflector lamps;
- Water Appliances: Faucets, toilets, urinals, and water meters; and
- Other Appliances: Commercial clothes dryers, air filters, residential pool pumps and motors, and portable electric spas.
CEC staff will consider the proposals, along with other data and information, as they draft recommendations for CEC's consideration. This would include preparation of a draft staff report with proposed regulations. This and subsequent workshop(s) could lead to formal rulemaking to consider adoption of proposed regulations. There would be an opportunity for industry and other interested parties to comment on any such proposal, in writing and at a public hearing.
CEC rules could potentially be preempted by rules adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For example, DOE is currently conducting rulemaking on test procedures for set-top boxes; it is not proposing set-top box efficiency standards at this time. CEC rules can also impact development of DOE rules. For example, DOE is considering whether potential DOE standards for battery chargers should reflect CEC standard levels that went into effect in February 2013.
