The Department of Energy has issued a final rule to establish and amend the certification provisions, labeling requirements, and enforcement provisions for specific types of consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment.
DOE states that the energy conservation program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act consists essentially of four parts: testing, labeling, federal energy conservation standards, and certification and enforcement procedures. Under DOE’s certification regulations, manufacturers of most covered items must submit a certification report for the duration of distribution, specifically (1) before a basic model is distributed in commerce, (2) annually thereafter, and (3) if the basic model is redesigned in a manner that increases the consumption or decreases the efficiency of the basic model such that the certified rating is no longer supported by test data. Additionally, manufacturers must report when production of a basic model has ceased and is no longer offered for sale as part of the next annual certification report following such cessation.
This rule updates the certification reporting and labeling requirements for nearly two dozen types of products (see table II.1 in the final rule); establishes certification and reporting requirements for direct-expansion dedicated outdoor air systems, dedicated-purpose pool pump motors, and air cleaners; and amends labeling requirements for walk-in coolers and freezers.
This rule will be effective as of Dec. 24. For products or equipment for which this rule establishes the initial regulations for certifying compliance with new or amended standards, manufacturers must submit the initial certification report for basic models distributed in commerce beginning May 7, 2025. For basic models with existing certification regulations, the amendments to the reporting requirements for certifying compliance with existing standards will be mandatory beginning with the annual certification report submitted on or after May 7, 2025.
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