Preliminary Information on Appliance Energy Labeling and Appliance Efficiency Standards

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act requires that selected consumer products bear labels which contain information on the product's energy efficiency and operating cost. The purpose of the program is to provide consumers with information that allows them to compare energy efficiency and operating costs of similar products when making purchase decisions. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act directs the Secretary of Energy to prescribe minimum energy efficiency standards for 13 product types. If the Secretary determines that a standard is not technologically feasible, economically justified, or would not result in significant conservation of energy, he is required to issue a determination of no standard. GAO provided some preliminary information from a review of the appliance efficiency standards program and the effectiveness of the appliance energy labeling program.