US regulators drop new energy efficiency rules for battery chargers

The US Department of Energy has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have set new energy efficiency standards for battery chargers. This means manufacturers will not have to meet stricter energy use requirements for these devices.

The US government has been setting energy efficiency standards for appliances and electronics for decades. These standards force manufacturers to make products that use less power, which saves consumers money and reduces overall energy demand. This withdrawal means that for battery chargers, the existing, less strict standards will remain in place, allowing manufacturers to continue selling less efficient models.