(Thumbnail image from calportland.com)
“What we try to do at Energy Star is provide one simple label. All they have to do is look for the mark. They know they’re getting a more energy efficient product.” (YouTube)
“The Energy Star label is supposed to guarantee a product is energy efficient. A Department of Energy audit shows it, however, does not properly track with the manufactures who give their products an Energy Star label have met the requirements.” (WFRV)
The U.S. Energy Department admitted this week that it hasn’t done the best job of overseeing which products receive an Energy Star label. Many in the media are asking what can be done to fix this problem. The economic stimulus from earlier this year fused money into the program, with the plan that the cash would be used to give consumers rebates to buy energy efficient appliances.
We’re looking at perspectives on the issue from CNN, WXIA-TV, Politico and the Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney.com.
First, CNN looks into how an appliance is deemed worthy of the Energy Star label.
“Reporter: So can a manufacture just put on an Energy Star sticker?
Connley: Well, they’re supposed to have these products tested, and they do, but they themselves test them.
Reporter: So if you had not run this test, people would buy this thinking, 'Ok, I’m saving on energy and I’m saving money.'
Connley: Correct, but in reality it’s using twice as much energy as it claims.” (CNN)
An NBC affiliate in Atlanta highlights what needs to be done to make the label system accurate, as suggested by the Inspector General.
“The department must develop a quality assurance program to insure product specifications are adhered to, implement better monitoring to insure the Energy Star label isn’t misapplied, and come up with procedures to revise product specifications. And all this needs to be done quickly because the government is about to spend $300 million in stimulus money for Energy Star rebates.” (WXIA)
Where does Energy Star go from here? The EPA and the Department of Energy jointly oversee the program, but they are currently quarreling with lawmakers on the Energy Committee about the about what the standards for the program should be. An article on Politico reports…
“On Sept. 30, the EPA and DOE quietly implemented a new memo of understanding designed to clarify each agency’s area of responsibility for the program. The memo clarified how Energy Star specifications would be established, including setting qualification guidelines, and a timeline for reviewing efficiency standards.”
What if you’re worried that a new appliance you just bought isn’t energy efficient as promised? Well, good luck trying to test it at home. An author on the Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney.com says…
“Average consumers can’t assess the energy efficiency of their home appliances by themselves. (In most cases, sophisticated laboratory equipment and controlled environments are necessary to measure efficiency).”
What do you think? Is that Energy Star sticker important to you?
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