The Department of Energy (DOE) published a proposed rule on July 7, 2026, requesting comment on the assumptions, models, and methodologies the Department uses when setting energy conservation standards for covered products and equipment.

The request follows a report from a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) committee that reviewed methods for setting building and equipment performance standards. DOE is soliciting data, peer-reviewed studies, and other relevant information on how it might implement the NASEM committee's recommendations and on its broader analytical methodology for evaluating energy conservation standards. The comment period closes September 8, 2026.

For contractors and consultancies that support DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy or provide technical analysis, modeling, or economic impact studies related to appliance and equipment efficiency rulemakings, this review signals a potential shift in the underlying methodology DOE relies on for future standard-setting — a process that has historically informed multi-year rulemaking dockets across dozens of product categories.

Source: Federal Register