Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards

Our team takes a comprehensive approach to resolve EPCA compliance and enforcement issues, including political engagement, outreach to policy and enforcement staff, and when necessary, enforcement proceedings and litigation. Our long-term working relationships with DOE personnel and team members’ prior government experience, including serving within DOE's Office of General Counsel and as Energy Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee, give us substantive experience and credibility with agency stakeholders and an understanding of how DOE and other key government stakeholders operate. We have a wealth of experience helping companies navigate complex regulatory questions, protect their brands, and mitigate enforcement exposure.

More About Energy and Water Conservation Standards

Manufacturers, importers, and private labelers of consumer products and of certain commercial and industrial equipment should be aware of the energy and water conservation standards administered by the DOE. Originally promulgated under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, these mandatory efficiency standards and test procedures may be less well-known than other product compliance regimes, but they can create significant compliance risk for manufacturers, importers, and private labelers—potential penalties can exceed $500 for each non-compliant product sold or made available for sale.

DOE currently regulates and sets mandatory conservation standards for energy and water efficiency for more than 60 consumer, commercial, and industrial products, with more products still under consideration. Manufacturers, importers, and private labelers should note that this regime has in recent years become a key tool in the regulatory arsenal of presidential administrations seeking to increase energy and water efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.