Energy.gov

DOE recently resolved enforcement actions against a variety of companies for failure to certify that the products they were distributing meet the applicable energy conservation standards.

DOE settled enforcement actions against Utility Refrigerator, True Manufacturing, and Victory Refrigeration for distributing commercial refrigeration equipment in the United States that do not meet applicable energy conservation standards.

DOE has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) in which it proposes to require that a person importing into the United States any covered product or equipment subject to an applicable energy conservation standard provide, prior to importation, a certification of admissibility to the DOE for the covered product or equipment.  The certification would be submitted to DOE through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

DOE recently resolved enforcement actions against two companies that failed to certify that their commercial refrigeration equipment complies with federal energy conservation standards.

DOE is seeking comment from the public on an enforcement plan that describes how the Department would enforce the regional standards for central air conditioners. The proposed rule was developed by a working group of efficiency advocates, manufacturers, utility representatives, contractors, and distributors.

DOE reached an agreement with LG Electronics, USA, Inc. (LG) that modifies a prior agreement under which LG had been making annual payments to consumers who had purchased certain models of LG and Kenmore-brand French Door refrigerators.

The General Counsel’s enforcement office settled an enforcement action against Friedrich Air Conditioning Company for almost $1.5M for the distribution of room air conditioners that failed to meet federal minimum standards for energy efficiency.

Perlick Corporation agreed to pay a civil penalty of $168,200 after manufacturing and distributing freezers that consumed over 20% more energy than permitted under the applicable energy conservation standard.

The Office of Enforcement recently resolved enforcement actions against seven companies that failed to submit required reports to certify that their refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and/or freezers comply with federal energy conservation standards.

Closures at 29 West Coast marine ports in February 2015 due to a labor dispute have resulted in significant delays for certain goods entering the United States through those ports. DOE issued an enforcement policy not to seek civil penalties for violations of the energy and water conservation standards resulting from those delays under certain circumstances.