According the national consumer groups’ letter:
“…At a time when affordability is front of mind for all Americans, strong appliance efficiency standards are a vital tool to help put downward pressure on rising utility bills. For decades, federal efficiency standards have helped reduce energy and water waste and lower utility bills while promoting innovation and protecting consumers. These benefits are particularly important for low-income households and other families facing high utility bill burdens. Efficiency standards have saved the average U.S. household about $6,000 over the last decade.
Future improved standards could reduce household bills by another $160 annually. Existing law provides a clear framework for the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate whether energy conservation standards are technologically feasible, economically justified, and likely to result in significant energy savings while ensuring that products continue to provide the performance and features that consumers value. DOE should continue to evaluate potential standards based on those statutory criteria and the best available evidence.”