January ’25 at-a-glance … energy

DOE issues new CRE energy-efficiency standards: One additional year for compliance, many areas remain similar to proposed rule

The Final Rule addressing energy-efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment (CRE) was published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Jan. 21, 2025. The rule covers commercial refrigerators, freezers and refrigerator-freezers.

Despite NAFEM’s advocacy and joint requests that DOE issue a “no-new-standard,” DOE declined to accept NAFEM’s position and issued new energy-efficiency standards for CRE.

Highlights of the new standards are included in this document provided by NAFEM’s legal team.

Also Jan. 21, the NAFEM Advocacy team held a call for interested members to discuss the Final Rule with NAFEM’s legal team. Of particular interest is the Trump administration’s Jan. 20 regulatory freeze on all rules not yet published in the Federal Register until they are reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed or designated by the president.

NAFEM is considering how to proceed given this ruling and will discuss potential next steps during a Zoom meeting Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. Central. Members should register in advance.

WIC/F energy-efficiency standards published in Federal Register

DOE’s final rule addressing energy-efficiency standards for walk-in coolers/freezers were published in the Federal Register Dec. 23, 2024. The rule is effective Feb. 21.

• Compliance with the amended standards established for walk-in non-display doors in the final rule is required on and after Dec. 23, 2027.
• Compliance with the amended standards established for walk-in refrigeration systems in the final rule is required on and after Dec. 31, 2028.

ACIM energy-conservation standards pending

Final energy-efficiency standards for Automatic Commercial Ice Makers (ACIM) remain with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

ENERGY STAR^® solicits feedback

According to a Federal Register notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input on ENERGY STAR product specification development activities. The ENERGY STAR products specification 2025 annual workplan is posted online. The public may track specific opportunities for public input on the ENERGY STAR Products Partner public notices webpage or contact Kathleen Vokes, Acting Supervisor ENERGY STAR Product Specifications Branch, Office of Atmospheric Programs, EPA.