Brief Description: Modifying energy efficiency provisions.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment (originally sponsored by Senators Morton and Poulsen).

Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Environment
House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications

Background: In 2005, the Legislature adopted minimum energy efficiency standards for 12 electrical products, which were not at that time covered by federal law. The following four products were included in the state standards:

• illuminated exit signs, such as those used in public buildings to mark exit doors;
• low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, which are devices that reduce electrical voltage and are often found in electrical closets of office buildings;
• torchieres, which are portable lamps used to provide indirect lighting; and
• traffic signal modules, which are used in street and highway traffic signals.

In October 2005, the U.S. Department of Energy published efficiency standards for the products mentioned above that are identical to the state's standards. The federal standards preempt the state's standards.

The California Energy Commission is considering the adoption of efficiency standards for certain types of incandescent reflector lamps. These standards are not as stringent as the current Washington standards for the same products.

Summary: Efficiency standards for the following four products, which have been preempted by federal law, are removed from state 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 are changed to conform with the 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 the specified 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      48   0
House      96   0   (House amended)
Senate      42   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006