Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing efficiency standards for appliances and water fixtures that advocates say would help cut utility costs over time, even as prices keep rising.
By 2035, environmental groups estimate the efficiency improvements would save consumers across the state nearly $291 million every year on their utility bills.
Here's what to know
PennEnvironment and the Appliance Standards Awareness Project said a bill in the state's Legislature would create efficiency requirements for 15 categories of commercial appliances and household water fixtures, from ovens, fryers, and dishwashers to gas fireplaces, toilets, and even showerheads.
The groups estimated in a recent report that the annual utility bill savings would approach $291 million by 2035, and total consumer savings could reach $7.7 billion by 2050.
Additionally, as noted in the report, "the proposed standards would prevent annually 269,000 metric tons of global warming pollution from entering our atmosphere, the equivalent of taking almost 63,000 cars off the road each year."
Supporters say the bill would take effect when people buy new products, rather than forcing anyone to replace equipment they already have. Brooke Lockwood, state policy associate with ASAP, explained to WESA, "No one would need to switch out their current products. It would simply work such that when consumers buy a new product, they will be a more energy-efficient version."
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The legislation has passed the state House, but Senate action, including on a companion bill, has not advanced.
More background
These standards are meant to reduce consumption automatically by making sure newer products use less energy and water, instead of depending only on people to change their habits.
According to the ASAP analysis, by 2050 the electricity savings would be greater than the total amount used in a full year by all households in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined, per WESA.
And the savings would not be limited to homeowners. Because the bills also cover equipment such as commercial fryers, ovens, and dishwashers, restaurants and other businesses could benefit from lower operating costs over time.
Where can I learn more?
For a broader look, these stories explore how appliance standards and home electrification can affect what people pay for energy.
• Homeowners nationwide can make a serious dent in their energy bills with heat pump dryers.
• The Energy Department's rollback could restrict access to cost-saving appliances and raise family bills.
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