Energy.gov

Today, the Department of Energy announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposed reforms designed to improve its energy efficiency certification and enforcement regulations.

“This rulemaking a key step in the Department’s renewed commitment to systematic and robust energy efficiency enforcement,” said DOE General Counsel Scott Blake Harris.  “Effective enforcement will conserve energy, save consumers money, and prevent manufacturers who break the law from having a competitive advantage over those that play by the rules.” 

The Department of Energy has closed its investigation into the energy efficiency of Arcelik's Blomberg refrigerator-freezer model # BRFB1450. The Department opened this investigation based on a complaint. DOE subpoenaed information from Arcelik, reviewed Arcelik's response, and performed its own testing of this model.

Based on our investigation and test results, DOE has determined this model to be compliant with federal energy conservation standards.

Notice of Compliance Determination

The Department has issued Notices of Allowance  to Westinghouse Lighting Corporation and Fuzhou Sunlight Lighting Electrical Appliance Company determining, based on corrected test data provided by Westinghouse, that the incandescent reflector lamps listed below are compliant with the federal energy conservation standard and may be sold in the United States.

The Department of Energy this week launched a new online database offering guidance on the Department’s test procedures for appliances and commercial equipment.  The new database will provide a publicly accessible forum for anyone with questions about -- or needing clarification of -- DOE’s test procedures.  This new online resource will also ensure that all manufacturers and members of the public are equally and immediately aware of the Department’s interpretations of its test procedures.

The Department of Energy has closed its investigation into the energy efficiency of Whirlpool's Maytag refrigerator-freezer model "MSD2578VE." The Department opened this investigation and requested testing data from Whirlpool based on a complaint (April 12, 2010, "DOE Opens Three Investigations into Alleged Refrigerator Efficiency Violations").

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Energy announced today that AeroSys, Inc. has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $25,000 and take a number of other actions designed to ensure its future compliance with DOE's energy efficiency standards. Last fall, the Department subpoenaed AeroSys's data on the energy use of certain heat pumps and air conditioners and then issued a demand to test 6 air conditioner models and one heat pump.

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a draft interpretative rule clarifying its views on the application of the current residential clothes washer test procedure to machines that offer a warm rinse option that is not included in the recommended cycle for washing cotton or linen clothes. 

The Department is soliciting feedback from the public on the draft interpretive rule, which is available here, until July 30, 2010. 
 

DOE has issued Notices of Non-Compliance Determination to Westinghouse Lighting Corporation and Fuzhou Sunlight Lighting Electrical Appliance Company requiring that they halt the sale of 8 basic models of incandescent reflector lamps in the United States.  DOE previously issued a civil penalty notice to Westinghouse for failing to submit required certification reports. The press release can be found here.

Today, the Department of Energy announced that three manufacturers -- Aspen Manufacturing, Inc., Summit Manufacturing, and Advanced Distributor Products -- must stop distributing 61 heat pump models and 1 air conditioner model that DOE has determined do not comply with federal energy conservation standards. The manufacturers also must notify all of their customers that have been sold noncompliant units. The Department determined that these models were noncompliant based on certification information submitted to DOE for these manufacturers.

DOE testing in support of the Energy Star program has revealed that an ASKO dishwasher (model D5122XXLB), which the company had claimed was Energy Star compliant, consumes more energy than permitted by the Energy Star  program.  Test results for the ASKO model at issue show that, when tested in accordance with DOE’s test procedure, it consumed 12 percent more energy than the Energy Star requirement.  Based on this testing, DOE is referring ASKO Model D5122XXLB to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for appropriate action with respect to the Energy Star program.