Bill Overview
Title: A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the definition of water heater under energy conservation standards, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill modifies the definition of water heater , otherwise revises energy conservation standards, and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters. In addition, it directs the Department of Energy to determine whether electric storage water heaters should possess demand response capabilities.
Sponsors: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals using water heaters worldwide
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill affects manufacturers of water heaters due to the changes in energy conservation standards and labeling requirements.
- Homeowners and businesses who use water heaters will be impacted as the energy efficiency of these water heaters could affect their utility bills.
- Energy companies may also be impacted as demand response capabilities in electric water heaters could influence energy consumption patterns.
- The Department of Energy is directly involved, having to assess demand response capabilities for electric storage water heaters.
Reasoning
- Since the policy affects approximately 330 million people indirectly (considering the entire US population), we assume large-scale but low-intensity impacts per individual, given the budgetary constraints of the policy.
- Economically, the policy could result in small savings for homeowners due to increased energy efficiency, which may slightly improve self-reported wellbeing scores over time.
- Only a small portion of the population will feel strongly about the policy (for instance, those working in manufacturing or energy sectors), while the average consumer might notice utility bill changes or new product labels.
- Manufacturers and energy companies will feel the direct impact more economically and operationally, which could further filter down to employees and business rates.
Simulated Interviews
HVAC Technician (California)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy may cause some initial headaches for us at the company with more tests and checks on the heaters. However, if it improves efficiency and we market it well, it could actually be a selling point.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Homeowner (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm always on the lookout for ways to cut the energy bill, so more efficient water heaters could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Engineer (New York)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Demand response capabilities in water heaters could be significant in managing peak loads for our grids. I think it's a smart move.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Teacher (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about how these changes might affect my utility bill or if I'll need to buy a new water heater soon.
- However, if it saves energy in the long run, it can be a good thing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Plumber (Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New standards might mean more work for installations and maintenance, but it is a double-edged sword—my suppliers might hike prices.
- Long-term, it should help the business grow if renewals are frequent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Environmental Scientist (Washington)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction for sustainability efforts and addressing climate change, so I support it.
- It's important for us to implement forward-thinking policies like this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Software Developer (New Jersey)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a renter, water heater efficiency impacts me indirectly. While I don't pay the bills, more efficient energy use is always a good thing for our planet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Small Business Owner (Michigan)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efficient water heaters could reduce my operating expenses, which is critical as utility costs rise.
- It really depends on how quickly I can replace the older equipment without breaking the bank.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Water heater Salesperson (Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The changes in labeling could confuse customers but it's an opportunity to educate them on better products.
- This can enhance our market advantage if we adapt quickly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Public Policy Student (Illinois)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Educational policies like this allow me to believe that we're moving towards a sustainable future.
- Data from such implementations will be crucial for my thesis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $35000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The scope of demand response requirements for electric water heaters and the timeline for compliance will significantly impact the cost finalization.
- Consumer behavior regarding energy-efficient appliances, including cost-benefit considerations, could affect the actual savings realized.
- Regulations will need a robust enforcement mechanism, potentially requiring additional funding or resource reallocation within the Department of Energy.