Energy conservation standards target fluorescent lamps, water heaters

The Department of Energy (DOE) is considering new energy conservation standards for some water heaters and fluorescent lamps, the agency announced Monday.

Even as the Energy Department moves to halt energy conservation standards for high-intensity discharge lamps, the agency said Monday it is working on new efficiency rules for a handful of other devices, including fluorescent lamp ballasts, which control electrical current.

The proposed rules would include new test procedures to measure the energy and water consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts.

The DOE is also considering new energy conservation standards for solar-thermal water heating systems, commercial water heaters, hot water supply boilers, and unfired hot water storage tanks.

The public has 30 days to comment on all three proposals.