Energy Efficient Standby Power Devices

2001-08-02Executive Order 13221
Signed by: George W. Bush
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Headline: Federal Agencies Must Buy Low Standby Power Devices

What it does: Agencies must purchase products that use no more than one watt in standby mode or the lowest available standby wattage when one-watt products are not available.

Real World Impact:
  • Changes federal purchasing to favor products using one watt or less standby power.
  • Requires the Energy Department to publish and finalize yearly product lists.
  • Covers military departments through the Department of Defense's purchasing rules.
Topics: energy conservation, federal purchasing, product standards, government operations

Summary

This order requires federal agencies to buy products that use very little standby electricity. Agencies must choose products that use no more than one watt in standby mode when buying off-the-shelf items with external standby adapters or internal standby functions.

The Department of Energy will compile and finalize a list of products covered by these requirements by December 31, 2001 and annually thereafter. Independent agencies are encouraged to comply, and military departments are covered through the Department of Defense. The aim is to save energy in government purchases without reducing product usefulness.

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