Appliance and equipment efficiency standards are one of the most impactful energy-saving policies to date. These regulations keep energy-inefficient, low-quality products out of marketplaces to ensure minimum energy and water efficiency levels are reached by all products.
States can set standards for certain appliances in the absence of federal standards. On May 29, 2022, House Bill 772 was enacted as Chapter 564 of the Acts of the Maryland General Assembly of 2022, which established minimum energy efficiency standards for eleven new products sold or installed in Maryland.
The final regulations, under COMAR 14.26.03, were published in the Maryland Register on November 1, 2024.
Covered Products:
HB 772 added new energy and water efficiency standards for the following products:
- Portable electric spas
- Air purifiers
- Commercial dishwashers
- Commercial steam cookers
- Faucets
- Residential ventilating fans
- Showerheads
- Spray sprinkler bodies
- Urinals
- Water closets
- Water coolers
Who Has an Obligation to Comply?:
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Retailers, online and in-person
- Appliance installers
Compliance for Appliance Manufacturers:
Covered manufacturers must certify products to MEA in the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships State Appliance Standards Database (SASD), or to other nationally recognized databases in accordance with Section .09 of the regulations. Manufacturers of Covered Products shall identify each model offered for sale in Maryland as in compliance with the Appliance Efficiency Standards, by means of a mark, label or tag on the product and packaging at the time of sale or installation.
Compliance for Appliance Sellers and Installers:
Beginning on January 1, 2025, covered sellers may only offer covered products for sale or installation in Maryland that are certified as compliant with the Appliance Efficiency Standards in the SASD database, or to other nationally recognized databases in accordance with Section .09 of the regulations. Covered Sellers may offer Covered Products that do not comply with the Appliance Efficiency Standards for sale or distribution in other states. Beginning on January 1, 2025, Covered Installers may only install Covered Products in Maryland that are certified as compliant with the Appliance Efficiency Standards in the SASD database, or to other nationally recognized databases in accordance with Section .09 of the regulations.
Enforcement:
Beginning January 1, 2025, any party may notify MEA of a potential violation of COMAR 14.26.03. Regulated parties include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and installers of the products listed.
What Should I Do if I Think I Noticed a Violation?:
If you observe a business with an obligation to comply with COMAR 14.26.03 committing a potential violation, please contact
appliance.standards@maryland.gov. Please attempt to document the potential violation as thoroughly as possible. Helpful documentation may include:
- Photos
- Copies of sales material
- Copies of invoices
- Screenshots
- Dates, times, and locations observed
Additional Resources:
