DOE Issues New Energy Conservation Standards for Cooking Appliances
Congressionally-mandated energy efficiency standards for residential cooking products have been finalized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will reduce household utility costs while improving appliance reliability and performance. Reflecting a joint recommendation from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Consumer Federation of America, and energy efficiency advocates, these standards will take effect in 2028 and are projected to save Americans approximately $1.6 billion on their utility bills over 30 years.
“President Biden is committed to using all the tools at the Administration’s disposal to lower costs for American families and deliver healthier communities—including energy efficiency measures like the one announced today,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE is dedicated to working together with our industry partners and stakeholders throughout 2024 to continue strengthening appliance standards, addressing a backlog of Congressionally-mandated energy efficiency actions that is delaying a projected $1 trillion in consumer savings from reaching the American people.”
According to DOE, The efficiency standards being adopted today for residential cooking products—which include electric and gas cooktop and oven ranges as well as stand-alone electric and gas cooktops and ovens—align with September 2023 recommendations from a diverse set of stakeholders, including manufacturers, the manufacturing trade association, energy, environmental, and consumer advocacy groups, states, and utility companies. The standards will not result in the loss of any consumer-desired features in future models, such as continuous cast-iron grates, high input rate burners, and other specialty burners. The energy savings over 30 years of shipments is 0.22 quadrillion British thermal units. DOE also expects the standards to decrease harmful carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 4 million metric tons cumulatively over 30 years—an amount roughly equivalent to the combined annual emissions associated with the energy use of 500,000 households.
