D.O.E. Approves Landmark Energy Rules For Washers

Staff On Feb 12 2001 - 8:00am

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The U.S. Department of Energy finalized a tough new minimum energy-efficiency rule for clothes washers that will afford the greatest water and energy savings ever attributable to a national appliance standard.

The landmark rule, which was supported by a broad coalition of environmental organizations, state and regional energy officials, clothes washer manufacturers and consumer groups, sets new efficiency targets for clothes washers manufactured after Jan. 1, 2004 and will raise the efficiency standard again for units manufactured after Jan. 1, 2007.

Clothes washers manufactured to meet the 2004 standard will be 22 percent more efficient than today's baseline clothes washer, while units that meet the 2007 requirements will be 35 percent more efficient than current baseline machines.

The new rule will result in a reduction of between 4 quadrillion and 5.5 quadrillion Btu of primary energy by 2030, and 11 trillion gallons of water. Also, 60 million to 95 million metric tons of future carbon emissions will be eliminated over the next 30 years due to reduced energy demand-equivalent to removing 4.1 million cars from the road.

What's more, consumer savings will amount to a projected $25.4 billion in energy bills, or approximately $100 per year for the average family.

Joseph McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), applauded the rule, which was six years in the making.

"The rule maintains broad consumer choice in washer technology, style and features," McGuire said. "It offers enormous energy savings and environmental protection, and saves consumers in their utility costs as well. From the manufacturers' viewpoint, it provides enough time to comply and meet consumer needs."