US DOE Proposes New Rule to Reform Energy Efficiency Standard-Setting Process

US DOE Proposes New Rule to Reform Energy Efficiency Standard-Setting Process

USA: The US Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed changes to its Process Rule governing how future energy efficiency standards are developed for appliances and equipment, including air conditioners and water heaters. The proposal would not repeal existing standards but aims to make future rulemaking more transparent by giving greater consideration to affordability, product availability, performance and consumer choice. Industry organisations, including AHRI, HARDI and ACCA, have broadly welcomed the proposal, although they noted that it is procedural and could be reversed by a future administration. The DOE will accept public comments for 30 days before deciding whether to finalise the revised rule.

Source: ACHR