Gas utilities ask US energy regulators to delay new efficiency rules for furnaces and water heaters

Three gas industry groups have asked the US Department of Energy to push back the deadlines for new energy efficiency standards. This would mean manufacturers could keep selling less efficient commercial water heaters and consumer furnaces for longer.

New energy efficiency rules mean higher upfront costs for manufacturers, but lower operating costs for consumers over time. Delaying these rules would give manufacturers more time to adapt, but it would also slow down the adoption of more efficient appliances. This could affect the pace of emissions reductions from buildings and commercial operations.