Energy Efficient Standby Power Devices

This executive order requires federal agencies to purchase energy-efficient products that use no more than one watt in standby mode when commercially available and cost-effective. The Department of Energy must compile and annually update a list of covered products, with the first preliminary list due by December 31, 2001.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 40571

Impact dates

Dec 31, 2002
Annual list updates thereafter
Dec 31, 2001
DOE preliminary list of covered products due

Key directives

Agencies shall purchase products using ≤1 watt in standby mode when commercially available
If ≤1-watt products unavailable, agencies shall purchase lowest available standby wattage
Requirements apply only when life-cycle cost-effective, practicable, and utility/performance not compromised
DOE shall compile preliminary product list by December 31, 2001, in consultation with DOD and GSA
DOE shall finalize list and may remove inappropriate products
List shall be updated on an annual basis thereafter

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

EO takes effect upon signing; agencies must begin applying standby power purchasing criteria

Near term (90d)

DOE must compile preliminary product list by December 31, 2001

Long term

Annual list updates continue indefinitely; potential cumulative energy savings across federal procurement

Risks & tensions

Vague enforcement mechanism: no penalties specified for non-compliance
Multiple escape clauses ('life-cycle cost-effective,' 'practicable,' 'utility and performance not compromised') may limit actual uptake
Independent agencies only 'encouraged,' not required, to comply
Annual update obligation lacks specific deadline within each year