DOE to Strengthen Enforcement of Energy Efficiency Standards

DOE announced on October 13 three new steps to strengthen its ability to enforce energy efficiency standards. DOE has formed a new enforcement team within the Office of the General Counsel; established a program to randomly review manufacturers' compliance with DOE certification requirements; and is publishing guidance that provides further details about DOE's energy efficiency enforcement regulations.

In its new guidance, DOE confirms that under existing regulations, it can take enforcement action and assess civil penalties if a manufacturer fails to properly certify a covered product and retain records.  DOE will randomly select previously filed certification reports for review, request certification records as needed, and hold manufacturers accountable for failing to certify covered products according to DOE rules.

[Read More via Department of Energy]