Policy

The US boasts around three million cold drinks vending machines – or one machine for every 100 Americans – which can guzzle as much as 3000-5000 kWh per year.

But new regulations published by the Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday will see their energy consumption slashed by around 42%.
The new standards, which will limit energy consumption to 1400-1800 kWh per year, could save electricity equivalent to that used annually by 1.4 million US homes and reduce energy costs by almost $500 million over thirty years.

In February this year, President Barack Obama charged the Department of Energy with completing five new standards by August this year, with a further two dozen due during the rest of the current presidential term.

The DOE has also released energy efficiency standards for dishwashers, incandescent lamps, microwaves, electric and gas overns, fluorescent lamps, commercial boilers and air conditioners.

“These energy efficiency appliance standards will play an important role in lowering energy use in homes and business across the country,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

“By improving the energy efficiency of each of these appliances – from lighting to ovens to vending machines – we can save money, reduce carbon pollution and increase our energy security.”

For further information:
www.energy.gov

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US proposes improved energy efficiency standards for vending machines (4-Jun)