The Department of Energy released an enforcement policy statement announcing that it will not be enforcing the May 1, 2013 deadline for regional standards on non-weatherized gas furnaces. What does that mean and how should distributors proceed?





WASHINGTON - The Department of Energy (DOE) released an enforcement policy statement announcing that it will not be enforcing the May 1, 2013 deadline for regional standards on non-weatherized gas furnaces.

On Jan. 11, 2013, the Department of Justice, on behalf of DOE, and the American Public Gas Association (APGA) filed a joint motion asking the court to enter an agreement to settle APGA’s challenge. The settlement agreement would, among other things, vacate the energy conservation standards applicable to non-weatherized gas furnaces established in the DFR. DOE hopes the court will act quickly to implement the settlement agreement.

Since a settlement has not been reached, the DOE has chosen to “exercise its enforcement discretion.”

“During the pendency of the litigation, act in a manner consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement with regard to the enforcement of the standards,” said the release.