New NY Law Sets Energy Efficiency Standards for Household Appliances, Electronic Equipment

New York Governor George E. Pataki recently signed into law legislation that will establish energy efficiency performance standards for certain household appliances and electronic equipment.

"New York State is a national and global leader in promoting renewable energy and developing innovative programs that enhance energy efficiency and protect our environment," Pataki said. "This new law will set higher energy efficiency standards for many consumer and commercial appliances, which will lower the overall energy demand in the state, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve air quality for all New Yorkers.

Under the Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2005, the secretary of state in consultation with the president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will develop the energy efficiency standards for specified products sold or offered for sale in the state. The standards, which were introduced in a governor's program bill announced on Earth Day (April 20, 2005), will apply to items not covered under the federal program, the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, sets energy efficiency standards for items such as ceiling fans and ceiling light kits; furnace air handlers; commercial washing machines; commercial refrigerators, freezers, and icemakers; torchiere lighting fixtures; unit heaters; reflector lamps; large packaged air-conditioning equipment; and other commercial and household items.

The standards are estimated to save up to 2,096 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, an amount equal to the energy required to power 350,000 homes. The more energy-efficient appliances also will lower energy bills for consumers, resulting in $284 million in overall, annual savings. In addition, it is estimated that the standards will reduce harmful emissions of carbon dioxide by 870,000 metric tons, nitrogen oxide by 1,429 metric tons, and sulfur dioxide by 2,858 metric tons.

Further, the Secretary of State and President of NYSERDA are charged with developing energy efficiency standards for certain consumer products in "standby mode," meaning they are not in active use. New York State will join California in the effort to reduce this "phantom" energy consumption from products such as DVD players and recorders, VCRS, and digital television adapters that consume energy when they are plugged into an electrical socket even when the device is turned off.

New York currently offers a variety of programs designed to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Since its inception, more than 2,700 projects in 40 programs have been funded by a charge on the electricity transmitted and distributed by the state's investor-owned utilities, known as the Systems Benefit Charge.

The New York Energy $martSM program, administered by NYSERDA, provides energy efficiency services, including those directed at the low-income sector, research and development, and environmental protection activities. In addition, NYSERDA promotes the ENERGY STAR Program in New York State, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This collaboration concentrates on teaching consumers the benefits of highly energy-efficient major appliances, residential windows, consumer electronics, office equipment, residential lighting and building materials.

Published 08/12/2005