DOE investigates lighting standard violations

DOE Torchiere Subpoenas target detailed product design, marketing, and sales data as the Department of Energy enforces federal energy efficiency standards for torchiere lamps, 190-watt limits, compliance audits, consumer savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it had issued subpoenas to three companies who were identified as selling certain torchiere lamps that failed to meet federal energy efficiency standards.

Under the subpoenas, the three companies are required to submit detailed information about the design of these products and, as part of broader enforcement efforts, how the companies marketed and sold them in the U.S.

These investigations are part of the ongoing efforts at the Department of Energy and across the Obama Administration to strengthen and enforce federal energy efficiency standards that will cut utility bills for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the country.

“As part of our expanded energy efficiency enforcement efforts, including joint ENERGY STAR steps with EPA, the Department of Energy will continue to open investigations whenever we have credible information that products are violating federal conservation standards,” said DOE General Counsel Scott Blake Harris. “We are looking forward to receiving the data from these companies and, even after an ENERGY STAR audit, are not prejudging the merits of this particular case.”

A torchiere is a type of electric floor lamp that includes a reflector bowl that directs light upwards rather than downwards. Both Target and Adesso privately label torchieres manufactured by Habitex and sell them to consumers under their own brand names. The companies have 30 days to respond to the subpoena and based on the information they provide, DOE will determine whether these products violate the energy conservation standards for torchiere lamps. Under DOE’s energy efficiency standards, including new lighting standards adopted for lamps, torchieres must not be capable of operating with light bulbs that total more than 190 watts.

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