NAMA Files DOE Comments On Proposed Energy Conservation Standards For Vending Machines

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association filed comments on Oct. 20 with the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the potential impact of changes to current energy conservation standards for beverage vending machines. The DOE requested public comment as it considers amending Energy Conservation Standards for Refrigerated Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending Machines.

The DOE recently updated its test procedure for beverage vending machines in a final rule published on July 31. The current proposal on energy conservation standards is the next step in the process. The proposed changes affect beverage machines that dispense cooled bottles or cans, and are installed inside or outside of commercial, residential or public buildings including gas stations, hotels and motels, apartments, dormitories and government buildings.

"I'd like to thank the machine manufacturing community for their input in organizing the industry's comments," said NAMA senior vice-president of government affairs Eric Dell. "This proposed rule could have a tremendous negative financial impact on the entire industry at a time when machine manufacturers are also having to update their processes to introduce new refrigerants mandated by EPA earlier this year."

Dell said NAMA has invited the DOE to work closely with the vending industry as it creates the final rule. He emphasized that the impact of the "potentially unattainable standard" could create substantial financial burdens for many small business manufacturers and operators across the country. And such burden could detract from the vending channel's ability to continue to expand its use of Energy Star vending machines.

A copy of the comments submitted by NAMA can be found here.