The US Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized the energy efficiency standards for residential cooking products to reduce household energy costs and improve appliance reliability and performance, as reported by the Washington Post on January 29. The standards set out energy efficiency thresholds for both gas and electric stoves. The rules will only affect a small portion of models, according to the DOE, as approximately 97% of gas stove models and 77% of smooth electric stove models sold on the markets have already met these standards. The DOE estimates that the new standards effective from 2028 would save consumers USD1.6bn in energy bills over 30 years, while reducing 4 million tons of harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

The energy efficiency standards on stoves were initially proposed in February 2023, raising concerns over a potential ban on new gas stoves. However, the Biden administration officials have repeatedly clarified that they have never attempted to ban gas stoves by proposing these rules. In fact, these concerns arose from an idea of banning such devices due to air pollutants considerations, initially suggested by an official with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The new standards for stoves are among a series of energy efficiency standards advanced by the Biden administration, targeting federal buildings and household products ranging from air conditioners to lightbulbs. The DOE projects that these rules could save nearly USD1tr in consumer spendings over 30 years, while cumulatively cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion tons.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/01/29/gas-stoves-biden-energy-climate/

https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-finalizes-cost-saving-efficiency-standards-new-cooking-products-based-recommendations

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-29/us-sets-rules-to-make-gas-and-electric-stoves-more-efficient?srnd=green

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/gas-stove-debate-reignites-energy-department-proposes-new-rules-rcna68728