Commercial Ice Makers Get Looser Water Use Standards
Published Date: 5/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is rolling back the updated water use rules for automatic commercial ice makers, bringing them back to the original legal standards. This change affects businesses using these ice machines, making water use rules simpler and possibly saving money on compliance. The update is coming soon, so companies should get ready for the switch!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ice-maker water rules rolled back
The Department of Energy proposes to rescind the amended water use standards for automatic commercial ice makers (ACIMs) and return the rules to the original statutory baseline. If you run or supply businesses that use these ice machines, the rules will be simpler and may reduce compliance costs for those businesses.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13674, Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets and reviews energy-saving rules for products like appliances and industrial equipment. These changes include clearer steps, new definitions, and economic checks to make sure energy savings really matter. If you make or sell these products, or just care about saving energy, you can share your thoughts by August 6, 2026, and join a free webinar on July 15 to learn more.
2026-12475, Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
The Department of Energy is making it easier and faster for companies to get permission to send electricity across U.S. borders. This new rule starts on July 22, 2026, and helps keep our electric supply safe while encouraging cross-border energy trade. If you’re involved in exporting electricity, get ready for a simpler application process with clear deadlines and fewer headaches.
2026-11057, Rescinding Regulations for Loans for Minority Business Enterprises Seeking DOE Contracts and Assistance
The Department of Energy is delaying a rule that would stop loans for minority-owned businesses trying to get DOE contracts. This means minority businesses can keep applying for these loans a bit longer while the government reviews the rule carefully. The new delay pushes the rule’s start date to September 1, 2026, giving everyone more time to prepare and comment.
2026-10729, Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new White House order. This means certain regulations will automatically end unless reviewed and renewed, helping save time and money. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 29, 2026, because your input could shape the future of energy rules!
2026-10727, Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy is adding expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient. If a rule isn’t renewed before its sunset date, it disappears—no more rule, no more hassle! This change starts July 13, 2026, and helps save time and money by cutting outdated regulations every five years or less.
2026-08201, Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014
The Department of Energy is making it easier for companies by removing some reporting rules for certain power supplies used as service parts. This change mainly affects manufacturers and sellers of these exempt power supplies and starts on May 28, 2026. It cuts red tape without adding costs, helping businesses save time and focus on energy innovation.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08575, Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Faucets
The Department of Energy wants to roll back new water-saving rules for faucets and go back to the old standards. This affects faucet makers and anyone buying faucets, keeping water use rules simpler and as they were before. If this change happens, it could impact water savings and costs, but it’s all about making faucet rules clear and fair again.
Next: 2025-08577, Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Withdrawal of Determination of Portable Air Conditioners as a Covered Consumer Product
The Department of Energy (DOE) wants to stop treating portable air conditioners as products that need to follow special energy rules. This change means manufacturers and shoppers might see fewer energy-saving requirements for these cool gadgets. If approved, this update could shake up the market soon, but no extra costs are expected right away.