DOE Demonstrates Strict Enforcement of Efficiency Standards

February 26, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced proposed penalties for four manufacturers of shower heads, and one of air conditioners and heat pumps, that had failed to certify their products’ compliance with energy and water conservation standards.

DOE announced its intention to assess civil penalties against these manufacturers because they had not submitted certification documents, but could also later take action for non-compliance with the standards.

The action symbolizes a new commitment by DOE's Office of the General Counsel to proactively support the appliance standards program and more specifically, to deliver enforcement critical to long-term program success.

Setting and enforcing strong, well-justified conservation and efficiency standards is critically important, not only to drive innovation but to maximize energy-saving benefits for consumers. Enforcement also ensures fairness to manufacturers who comply with standards.

The ultimate beneficiaries of these standards are consumers, who will save money on utility bills; and water-stressed regions of the country who will benefit from the reduced consumption facilitated by such standards.

The Office of the General Counsel's enforcement team and verification program will ensure manufacturer compliance for future products, while demonstrating DOE's seriousness about enforcement.

Ensuring all manufacturers of products subject to DOE standards comply with the standards will save money for consumers, conserve national resources, and preserve the integrity of the standards program.