After seven years of fact finding, information gathering, and feedback from consumer groups, businesses, and manufacturers, the Department of Energy (DOE) has released its proposed new minimum efficiency standards for appliances — and reactions have been swift.
“[DOE] Secretary Bill Richardson deserves credit for seeing the potential in new heat pump and air conditioner standards,” said Andrew deLaski, executive director of coalition group Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP). “But, the Administration’s proposal for air conditioners falls well short of what’s needed to have the greatest impact on the nation’s strained power systems and consumers’ electricity bills.”