Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Technology, Energy & Communications Committee

HB 1004

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Adding products to the energy efficiency code.

Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Chase, Morrell, Upthegrove, Hudgins and Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for certain electrical products.

Hearing Date: 1/26/09

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133)

Background:

In 2005, the Legislature adopted minimum energy efficiency standards and testing procedures for 12 electrical products that were not covered by federal law. The efficiency standards apply to products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state.

The 12 electrical products were:

In 2006, the Legislature removed efficiency standards for the following four products, which had been preempted by federal law: illuminated exit signs, low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, torchieres, and traffic signal modules. The state's efficiency standards for certain incandescent reflector lamps were changed to conform with proposed California standards.New products, except commercial ice-makers, single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, and halide lamps, that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, may not be sold if they do not meet or exceed specified energy efficiency standards. The applicable manufacturing date for new ice-makers, single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, and halide lamps is on or after January 1, 2008.New products, except commercial ice-makers and metal halide lamp fixtures, that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, may not be installed for compensation on or after January 1, 2008, if they do not meet the specified standards. The applicable date for new ice-makers and halide lamps that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2008, is January 1, 2009.

Summary of Bill:

Minimum efficiency standards are established for seven categories of electrical products that may be sold, offered, or installed in the state:(1) wine chillers sold for use by an individual;(2) internal illumination of certain cabinets and wine chillers that are not consumer products;(3) hot water dispensers and mini-tank electric water heaters;

(4) bottle-type water dispensers and point-of-use water dispensers;

(5) pool heaters, pool pump motors, and portable electric spas;(6) tub spout diverters and showerhead-tub spout diverters; and(7) commercial hot food holding cabinets.

These products, if manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, must meet or exceed the specified efficiency standards in order to be: (1) sold or offered in the state; or (2) installed for compensation in the state after January 1, 2011.

Efficiency standards for metal halide lamp fixtures, single-voltage external AC to DC power supplies, commercial clothes washers, commercial pre-rinse spray valves, and unit heaters are removed from state law due to federal preemption.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.