Navigating The Department Of Energy (Doe) Energy Conservation Standard And Test Procedure For Pumps

Abstract

Following the European Union’s (EU) lead, the United States (US) Department of Energy (DOE) began the long process of regulating the energy consumption of pumps in 2011 and, with support from the industry and advocates, published a final Energy Conservation Standard (ECS) and Test Procedure (TP) for Pumps (US Department of Energy 2016a) in January 2016. Compliance to the standard levels set in the ECS is slated for January 27, 2020. The rulemaking process was very thorough involving many stakeholders; however, the complexity of the standard and inexperience in the United States leaves many pump manufacturers, engineering procurement contractors, consultants, and end users with uncertainty regarding the requirements and impact of the regulation. Since this is a first for the United States, this paper will address the contents of the ECS and TP to provide an understanding of the scope; implications to the manufacturer, end users, and other interested parties; and the benefits of the rule and future voluntary product energy labeling initiatives.