Government Begins Consultations on Proposed Updates to Energy Efficiency Regulations 

March 6, 2017                                       Ottawa                          Natural Resources Canada

Investments in energy efficiency can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money and create a clean economy.

The Government is taking another step in protecting the environment and increasing energy performance standards in Canada by reaching out to Canadians for their views on plans to update minimum energy performance standards for products including furnaces, water heaters, vending machines and ceiling fans.

These proposed improvements are an important part of Canada's plan, working with provinces and territories, to support the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

On March 4, 2017, a Notice of Intent was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, outlining the Government’s proposed updates to 17 product categories under the Energy Efficiency Regulations.  As well, new and updated standards proposed for six heating products would help implement the action plan on energy efficiency standards that was agreed to by federal, provincial and territorial governments at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in August 2016.

Consultations with industry, non-governmental organizations, the public and other stakeholders will be undertaken and input received will be considered as the regulations are drafted. This 15^th amendment to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations is the third of four amendments that will deliver on the Canada–U.S. commitment to align and further improve energy efficiency standards by 2020 and is part of a series of updates expected over the next few years that will improve energy efficiency across Canada. They will provide Canadians, consumers and businesses with better access to energy-efficient products, saving them money while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.