WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move aimed at modernizing and broadening the scope of its Energy Labeling Rule, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is soliciting public feedback on proposed amendments. The changes are set to offer consumers more comprehensive information on energy consumption, thereby aiding them in avoiding unexpected energy costs.
The Energy Labeling Rule mandates manufacturers to affix labels on major home appliances and other consumer goods. These labels assist consumers in comparing the energy usage and costs of different models, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions.
The FTC, in October 2022, issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR), seeking input on potential enhancements to the rule. Suggestions included adding new consumer product categories to the labeling program, revising the rule’s labeling requirements to better align with consumer shopping trends, and simplifying existing requirements.
Having reviewed the feedback received, the FTC is now requesting comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that outlines the proposed updates in detail. The objective is to formulate a final rule that would formally implement these improvements.
The NPRM addresses four key areas related to the energy labeling program: new product labels for air cleaners, clothes dryers, miscellaneous refrigeration products, and portable electric spas; modifications to labels for several existing products; revisions to the current requirements for attaching labels on showroom models; and several other minor amendments to enhance the rule.
Among the proposed changes, the NPRM introduces new product labels for previously unlabeled air cleaners, clothes dryers, miscellaneous refrigerator products, and portable electric spas. It also seeks public opinion on issues raised regarding existing labels for clothes washers, televisions, and heating products including water heaters, pool heaters, and boilers.
Additionally, the NPRM proposes several amendments to align label format and location with consumer shopping patterns. For instance, manufacturers would be required to attach labels to large appliances prepared solely for showroom display. For other units, manufacturers could include the label with the product in different ways, such as in the literature bag. Retailers would also be responsible for ensuring that units displayed in showrooms bear a label.
The proposed rule also includes minor amendments addressing a range of miscellaneous issues like compliance dates for ranges, television data updates, and format and placement requirements for labels.
The FTC is publishing these proposed changes in the Federal Register, following a unanimous 5-0 vote by the Commission. Once published, consumers can submit comments electronically or in writing, following the instructions in the “Supplementary Information” section of the Federal Register notice.
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