WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new energy efficiency standards for electric motors and for walk-in coolers and freezers. According to the DOE, these standards combined are expected to provide businesses with $26 billion in energy savings through 2030.

“Energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to save money, cut greenhouse gas pollution, and help businesses strengthen their bottom lines,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

Electric motors are used extensively in a wide variety of applications including HVAC. The new standard is projected to save up to nearly $16 billion and prevent 96 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions through 2030.

DOE also issued a final efficiency standard for walk-in coolers and freezers. This standard is projected to cut energy bills by about $10 billion and result in carbon dioxide emissions reductions of 62 million metric tons through 2030.

The new efficiency standards update the 2010 standard for electric motors and the 2009 standard for walk-in coolers and freezers. DOE said these standards incorporate feedback from industry, consumer and environmental advocacy groups, and other stakeholders and go into effect three years after publication in the Federal Register for walk-in coolers and freezers and two years after publication in the Federal Register for electric motors.

For more information about DOE’s appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards, click here.

Publication date: 5/19/2014

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