The US Energy Department wants to stop regulating mini-fridges and wine coolers

The US Energy Department is proposing to remove small refrigeration products, like mini-fridges and wine coolers, from a list of appliances it regulates for energy efficiency. This means manufacturers of these products would no longer have to meet federal energy conservation standards.

For years, the Energy Department has set efficiency standards for a wide range of appliances, pushing manufacturers to make more energy-saving products. Removing these smaller refrigeration units from regulation means companies will have fewer rules to follow when designing and selling them. This could lead to cheaper products, but also potentially less energy-efficient ones, shifting the burden of energy consumption to consumers.