Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the US Department of Energy finalized a strong energy efficiency standard for water heaters that will benefit consumers and our climate. Phasing out energy-wasting water heaters will lead to lower residential energy bills and help shift the market away from inefficient technologies -- reducing water and energy bills by $7.6 billion per year and easing the strain on the grid, according to the DOE.
Strong energy efficiency standards for water heaters will greatly benefit homeowners and renters, particularly those facing a large energy burden. Additionally, the DOE projects the standard will reduce 332 million metric tons of dangerous carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to the combined annual emissions of nearly 43 million homes.
The water heater standard is just one of many recent updates to energy efficiency standards issued by DOE, a process the agency is legally required to undertake periodically. The agency has already issued updates for a variety of household equipment, from stoves to dishwashers and furnaces. Many of these standards were based on consensus agreements between energy efficiency and consumer advocates alongside manufacturers. The DOE estimates the full suite of energy efficiency standards announced by the Biden administration will together provide nearly $1 trillion in consumer savings over 30 years and save the average family at least $100 a year through lower utility bills.
In response, Director of Sierra Club’s Building Electrification Campaign Amneh Minkara released the following statement:
“Water heaters are one of the largest sources of energy use in a household, so it makes sense to ensure the products available to consumers meet a minimum technology standard to lower utility bills and help keep the grid reliable. These energy savings will have a big impact on the ability of lower income households to keep their homes comfortable and safe. Manufacturers are ready and willing to meet this standard. We are glad to see the Biden administration continuing to stand up for consumers and the health of people and the environment by ensuring our home appliances are not overburdening the grid or polluting our air.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.