FTC Approves Changes to Energy Labeling Rule and Proposes Others

The Federal Trade Commission has amended the Energy Labeling Rule, which requires manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels to certain appliances. The amendments require expanded coverage of the Lighting Facts label, enhanced durability of appliance labels, and improved plumbing disclosure requirements.  The EnergyGuide labels required under the Rule for most products provide consumers with an estimated annual operating cost and an energy consumption rating, and a range for comparing the highest and lowest energy consumption for all similar models. The labels appear on clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, pool heaters, and televisions.

The Commission also seeks comments on proposed Rule amendments that would require a new comprehensive label database on the Department of Energy’s website; new refrigerator comparability range information; labels for portable air conditioners, dual-mode refrigerators, and rooftop heating and cooling equipment; and revised labels for ceiling fans, central air conditioners, and water heaters.       

The Commission vote approving the two Federal Register Notices was 4-0. They are available on the FTC’s website and as links to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon. Comments must be received by January 11, 2016. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. R611004; the staff contact is Hampton Newsome, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2889)

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