Senator: Stand up for energy efficiency
Reducing costs across America: New appliance standards save consumers money in every state
National appliance efficiency standards save money for consumers and businesses, cut water waste and reduce pollution
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National appliance standards save money for consumers and businesses by reducing utility bills. As of August 2024, the Department of Energy under the Biden administration has updated standards for about two dozen products. We estimate that these standards will save a typical US household $107 each year on average over the next two decades, with savings ranging from $67 to $285 depending on the state. Business owners across the United States will collectively save an average of more than $2 billion annually. These standards will also reduce harmful air pollution and water waste.
Which new appliance standards are included in this analysis?
Standards for household appliances and other products reduce utility bills for consumers and businesses by ensuring that all new models available for sale meet a minimum level of efficiency. Products covered by national standards range from refrigerators and water heaters to commercial air conditioners and electric motors.
As of August 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Biden administration has set new and updated efficiency standards for about two dozen products. This policy analysis provides estimates of the state-by-state utility bill savings for households and businesses, air pollution reductions, and water savings from standards finalized between January 2021 and July 2024. For a list of efficiency standards considered, view the full policy analysis.
What are the cost savings of the new appliance standards?
$107Amount a typical American household will save each year on average The household and business utility bill savings are significant in every state. We estimate that average annual household utility bill savings over the next two decades will range from $67 in Utah to $285 in Hawaii.
$2 BillionAmount American businesses will collectively save each year Businesses across the country—including small businesses like restaurants and convenience stores and larger businesses owning bigger commercial buildings and industrial facilities—will collectively save more than $2 billion each year on average.
How much water waste and air pollution do the new efficiency standards reduce?
In addition to the significant cost savings for households and businesses, the new standards will also reduce air pollution that harms human health and protect scarce water supplies in drought-stricken areas.
We estimate that standards completed under the Biden administration will reduce national annual emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide by about 11,700 tons and 5,100 tons, respectively, and save about 50 billion gallons of water each year on average over the next two decades.
While the analysis does not quantify climate emissions reductions or peak electricity demand reductions in this policy analysis, reduced energy use resulting from the new standards will meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the strain on the electrical grid, improving grid reliability and helping to moderate future energy prices.
For detailed state-by-state cost savings, pollution reduction and water savings information, view the full policy analysis.
Take action to support energy efficiency
Unfortunately, some polluters and their allies are proposing to undo energy efficiency standards for appliances that save energy, save money and save lives. Urge your U.S. senators to oppose these attacks.
Senator: Stand up for energy efficiency
Please oppose attacks on appliance efficiency standards.
Topics
Authors
Joanna Mauer
Deputy Director, Appliance Standards Awareness Project
Joanna Mauer is the Deputy Director of ASAP. She leads ASAP’s technical advocacy in U.S. Department of Energy rulemakings for efficiency standards for residential appliances and commercial and industrial equipment. She joined ASAP in 2010. Prior to joining ASAP, Joanna worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Integrative Environmental Research. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Joanna earned a master of public policy from the University of Maryland and a bachelor of science in civil and environmental engineering from Cornell University.
Jeremy Dunklin
Senior Technical Advocacy Associate, Appliance Standards Awareness Project
Jeremy Dunklin performs research and analysis to advance and defend appliance, equipment and lighting efficiency standards. He is interested in advancing standards capable of delivering large energy, water and monetary savings as well providing environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Prior to joining ASAP in 2021, Jeremy worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. His work focused on the development of novel material systems for solar fuel technologies. Jeremy received a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2017 and a bachelor of science in engineering-physics from Southern Arkansas University in 2012.
Abe Scarr
State Director, Illinois PIRG; Energy and Utilities Program Director, PIRG
Abe Scarr is the director of Illinois PIRG and is the PIRG Energy and Utilities Program Director. He is a lead advocate in the Illinois Capitol and in the media for stronger consumer protections, utility accountability, and good government. In 2017, Abe led a coalition to pass legislation to implement automatic voter registration in Illinois, winning unanimous support in the Illinois General Assembly for the bill. He has co-authored multiple in-depth reports on Illinois utility policy and leads coalition campaigns to reform the Peoples Gas pipe replacement program. As PIRG's Energy and Utilities Program Director, Abe supports PIRG energy and utility campaigns across the country and leads the national Gas Stoves coalition. He also serves as a board member for the Consumer Federation of America. Abe lives in Chicago, where he enjoys biking, cooking and tending his garden.
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