Efficiency Gains

With high heating oil and electricity prices, energy costs have been on the minds of many Mainers lately. The Maine Legislature can take a simple step to ease those concerns a little by passing a bill that will require the most energy-efficient models of more than a dozen appliances to be sold in Maine. The bill, LD 1435, was narrowly passed by the House this week. It should be passed by the Senate.

LD 1435 would require that 19 products, ranging from ceiling fans to commercial washers, meet minimize efficiency standards. Switching to these appliances would save Maine residents a minimum of $16 million a year in energy costs by 2010. The savings would dramatically increase after that as less-efficient appliances are phased out. It would also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. It does so with no new taxes or fees.

A concern raised by opponents of the bill is that such energy-efficient appliances aren’t readily available. Research from groups supporting the legislation shows that many models of the appliances covered by the bill would meet the standards. For example, traffic signals made by 10 different manufacturers would qualify as would more than 150 models of residential boilers made by 20 different manufacturers.

Another concern was that more efficient appliances would cost consumers more. While this is true, energy savings would quickly offset any additional expenses. In fact the “payback” period for all of the products covered by the bill is three years or less. At the high end, a more efficient residential natural gas boiler would cost about $250 more than a less efficient model, but it saves a consumer $79 a year, meaning the extra cost is recouped in just over three years. At the low end, an efficient torchiere lamp costs $20 more, but saves $36 a year. It is hard to argue that this is bad for consumers.

Concerns have also been raised that enacting state laws that differ from national standards will result in a patchwork of regulations. This is true, but given Congress’ failure to enact stricter standards, this leaves states with little choice but to develop their own rules. Five states, including Arizona, Connecticut and New Jersey, already have efficiency standards in place. Seven, including Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island, are considering laws similar to LD 1435.

This bill is a modest step toward reducing energy consumption in Maine. It should be approved.