Comment Deadline Nears For New Energy Standards For Ice Makers

How stringent can the standards for energy efficient foodservice equipment be, and still remain financial viable and within reason for manufacturers and operators?

The comment period is coming to a close this week on the notice for proposed rulemaking for energy conservation standards for commercial ice machines. The changes proposed by the Department of Energy have raised concerns that the standards as outlined are not technologically and economically achievable within the compliance deadline, and will contribute to higher costs for new equipment.

Specifically, manufacturers and industry associations have expressed concerns that the standards are unreasonable because they are simply not achievable by the deadline of 2018, and would exceed and conflict with the EPA ENERGY STAR standards.

In addition, they say, operators would face increased capital costs, maintenance and repair costs, and utility modifications to accommodate replacement equipment. Such changes could result in utility, design and space modifications for many customers.

FER Fortnightly will continue to provide updates as the regulation process unfolds. More background information is available at the DOE’s website.”””