On September 1, APGA submitted joint comments with the American Gas Association (AGA), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), and Spire Inc. in response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) notification of data availability (NODA) pertaining to consumer conventional cooking products, including gas-fired ranges.
Through the comments, APGA argues that standards based on the new efficiency levels identified in the NODA would not be economically justified, would not result in significant conservation of energy, and would deprive consumers of gas cooking tops with features and performance that consumers value to most. Accordingly, APGA asked the agency not to adopt new minimum efficiency standards for gas-fired cooking tops.
Recall that earlier this year, DOE released a proposed minimum efficiency standard for consumer conventional cooking products, including gas stoves, which would have the effect, if finalized, of banning the majority of gas-fired ranges currently available on the market. APGA submitted comments in response to this proposal requesting that DOE withdraw the rule. The NODA appeared to update the potential efficiency levels for these products, but did not go as far as proposing new standards. DOE failed to clarify its intentions or provide additional time to respond despite our joint request.
A copy of the comments is available here.
APGA has also been made aware that the following APGA member utilities and public gas utility associations have also filed supporting comments: Austin Utilities, Florida Natural Gas Association, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, Philadelphia Gas Works, Southeast Gas, and York County Natural Gas Authority.
For questions regarding this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-802-0493 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.