Senate Bill 556 Summary

• Designates the State Energy Office as lead agency to establish and enforce state energy efficiency standards for 13 categories of appliances and lamps, including commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens, computers, and residential ventilating fans.

• Prohibits sale or installation of non-compliant appliances beginning January 1, 2023, and non-compliant lamps in non-residential buildings beginning January 1, 2024, unless they meet efficiency standards adopted by the Office.

• Establishes minimum efficiency standards by referencing ENERGY STAR specifications, federal regulations, and California Code of Regulations for specific products (e.g., state-regulated general service lamps must achieve 45 lumens per watt).

• Requires manufacturers to certify compliance based on test results, label products accordingly, and bear testing costs for non-compliant products; violations constitute unfair or deceptive trade practices subject to civil penalties.

• Authorizes the State Energy Office to adopt temporary and permanent rules to implement the standards and to periodically inspect distributors and retailers for compliance.