SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Energy Commission has approved new energy-efficiency regulations for selected appliances sold in the state. According to Energy Commissioner Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, presiding member of the Commission's Efficiency Committee, the ruling will "slow electricity demand in the state and save approximately 100 megawatts of generating capacity every year."

The new energy-efficiency standards regulate appliances including: residential pool pumps and portable electric spas; evaporative coolers; ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and whole-house fans; commercial icemakers, refrigerators, and freezers; vending machines; and water dispensers. The regulations go into effect on a staggered schedule beginning in January 2006.

Citing utility industry support for the appliance regulations, Roland Risser, director of customer energy efficiency for Pacific Gas & Electric, said, "These standards will continue to help improve the environment and grid stability, as they reduce customer costs in the future. PG&E believes strongly in these standards and is committed to assisting in increasing them."