Amendment to the Energy Efficiency Regulations

An amendment concerning the energy efficiency of vented gas fireplaces and electric ranges has been published Oct 8, 2003 in the Canada Gazette, Part II (see pages 2458 to 2543, in PDF file go to page 54-59) http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partII/2003/20031008/html/sor321-e.html

The amendment requires that fireplace efficiency (FE) of vented gas fireplaces be tested and verified using a recently published Canadian Standards Association (CSA) test method. The information reported to NRCan by Canadian dealers will enable NRCan to produce an EnerGuide Directory for Gas Fireplaces. This directory, which will be similar to existing ones for major household appliances, will help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing a gas fireplace. The amendment does not prescribe a minimum energy performance level.

For point-of-sale consumer information, the industry has agreed to participate in a voluntary EnerGuide rating program that builds on the successful collaboration between the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) and NRCan in administering similar programs for residential heating and air-conditioning equipment since 1996.

The amendment also updates the CSA standard referenced for electric ranges. The new standard incorporates new consumption factors for determining the energy efficiency of electric ovens and cook tops. There are corresponding new equations for minimum energy performance.

For more information, see our Bulletin on Regulations for Vented Gas Fireplaces. http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations/vented_gas_fireplaces.cfm and on electric ranges http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations/ranges_april_2003.cfm

This amendment to the Energy Efficiency Regulations was pre-published in the May 31, 2003 edition Canada Gazette, Part I (see pages 1619 to 1629, in PDF file go to page 53) http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2003/20030531/pdf/g1-13722.pdf for a period of 75 days during which all stakeholders were invited to comment. No negative comments were received throughout this period and there are no significant changes to the published amendment.