FTC Updates Energy Labeling Rule To Reflect Energy Department TV Testing Procedure

The Federal Trade Commission is issuing final amendments to its Energy Labeling Rule so that its television testing and reporting requirements conform to a new Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure. The final amendments replace the Rule’s reference to the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR test with the new DOE test.

The Energy Labeling Rule requires manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels stating an annual operating cost and an energy consumption rating, and a range for comparing the highest and lowest energy consumption for all similar models. EnergyGuide labels appear on televisions, clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and pool heaters.

For more information, read EnergyGuide Labeling: FAQs for Appliance Manufacturers.

The Commission vote approving the Notice amending the Energy Labeling Rule was 4-0.  The changes will become effective 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register. (FTC File No. R611004; the staff contact is Hampton Newsome, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2889)

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