Environment DEC
From the September 2005 issue
Law Signed to Improve Energy Efficiency of Appliances and Electronics
Governor George E. Pataki signed into law legislation that will establish energy efficiency performance standards for certain household appliances and electronic equipment, helping to reduce pollution, energy consumption, and our reliance on foreign oil.
"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," Governor 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."
"I am pleased to sign this important legislation, which will also serve as a model for a more comprehensive national energy efficiency standard," the Governor said. "Technological advances have created an opportunity for us to cut energy use and protect our air, water, and land, and this law is another step toward achieving that goal."
Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency standards, like
those for Energy Star appliances,
will be developed for certain
products sold in the state
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 energy efficiency standards for specified products sold or offered for sale in the state. The standards 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 new 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 harmful emissions of carbon dioxide will be reduced 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. Reducing this energy consumption also will lower individual energy bills and the demand for power.
Programs for Energy Efficiency
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, and residential lighting and building materials. By creating partnerships with manufacturers, retailers, and utilities, ENERGY STAR® is working to help establish a sustainable consumer market for these superior technologies and products.
