Written on: July 20, 2022
From NPGA Bobtail Reports
Bottom Line: NPGA pushes back on DOE standards for decorative hearth products and outdoor heaters.
NPGA joined the American Public Gas Association and American Gas Association to support the advocacy of the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA) against attempts to establish efficiency standards for decorative hearth products and outdoor heaters by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Over the last several months, DOE published rulemaking actions to identify decorative products and outdoor heaters that may be defined as “miscellaneous gas products”. NPGA previously partnered with HPBA and other associations against attempts by DOE to set efficiency standards for these products.
In the current rulemakings, DOE is soliciting information on the marketplace for these products and the equipment configurations. The agency has not yet proposed efficiency standards or test procedures, nor concluded that the product classes must be subject to an efficiency standard. NPGA, however, is adamantly opposed to subjecting these propane-fueled products to efficiency standards. These products are decorative in nature and inherently limited by the size of the container that fuels the product. The initial rulemaking activities on these product types are among nearly a dozen active rulemakings underway by DOE with an expedited schedule. NPGA is working hand-in-hand with other associations to demonstrate a united front on the litany of appliance rulemakings. Questions? Contact NPGA Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Sarah Reboli.
Bottom Line: NPGA advocates for Full Fuel Cycle labeling on appliances.
NPGA requested the Federal Trade Commission use Full Fuel Cycle information on EnergyGuide labels. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Federal Trade Commission implement EnergyGuide labels for commercial and residential appliances, like furnaces, water heaters, air-conditioners, refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, etc. EnergyGuide labels are intended to educate consumers on the energy efficiency as well as immediate and long-term costs or payback of the appliances.
The Full Fuel Cycle shows the energy loss from generation, transmission, and distribution. Generally speaking, electricity experiences a greater energy loss from the source of production through the site or location of use, compared to propane. If the Commission includes Full Fuel Cycle information on EnergyGuide labels, consumers will have accurate information on the well-to-wheel efficiency of propane compared to the generation process for electricity.
NPGA was able to secure support in this request from the American Public Gas Association and the American Gas Association. Demonstrating a united front among the fuel industries is that much more impactful to urge the Commission to incorporate Full Fuel Cycle analysis into EnergyGuide labels. NPGA’s next steps including additional discussions with the Commission on the data resources available to provide the Full Fuel Cycle information. Questions? Contact NPGA Vice President, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, Sarah Reboli
