As requested by the Consumer Electronics Association, the California Energy Commission (CEC) filed rulemaking language with the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on February 14, 2006, that proposes modifications to the previously-adopted appliance standards for external power supplies and digital TV adaptors. The proposed modifications to the standards that were adopted in December 2004 include the following four elements:
First, delaying the effective dates for external power supply standards for six months (until January 1, 2007 for Tier 1 standards). According o the CEC, this delay keeps the California standards consistent with effective dates of similar standards adopted in other states, allows the industry additional time to comply, and does not disadvantage those companies that made good faith efforts to comply with the original effective date of the standards.
Second, exempting power supplies used in medical applications. The CEC proposal is to exempt those power supplies subject to certification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Third, eliminating the requirement that external power supplies be tested at 230 volts. To remain as consistent as possible with international labeling requirements that require certification at both 115 and 230 volts, the CEC also proposes that "115" be included in the label for those power supplies that are only tested and certified at 115 volts.
Finally, delaying the effective date for digital television adapter standards for one year (from January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008). According to the CEC, the proposed new effective date is consistent with a proposed federal incentive program for digital television adapters that starts January 2008, and the delay will give the commission time to investigate technology options.
A 45-day public comment period will start when the OAL publishes the proposed regulations, expected to be February 27, 2006. The CEC has stated that it intends to hold an Efficiency Committee hearing on March 27, 2006, to hear public comment on the proposed changes. After consideration of these comments, the CEC expects to bring its recommended changes to the Energy Commission for adoption prior to July 1, 2006.
