Brazil. The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is about to announce a proposal to demand greater energy efficiency of air conditioners sold in the country. Manufacturers agree with the new standards, which, if approved, will eliminate about 40% of current models from the market.
However, experts define the level of rigor proposed by the MME as "timid" in relation to the technology already dominated by manufacturers operating in Brazil and the parameters adopted in other countries.
The movement to make the regulation of the appliance more demanding goes to the meeting of the recent discussion in the government about the end of daylight saving time. According to a study by the MME itself, the time ahead at the warmest time of the year no longer results in energy savings, and the energy consumption generated by the popularization of air conditioners is one of the main reasons behind it. However, the Executive Branch decided to maintain daylight saving time this year.
At its last meeting, held on August 31, the Management Committee of Energy Efficiency Indicators (ECI) of the MME decided to propose raising the minimum required Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEE) index of the "split" models to 2.81 and, then 3.02, different stages for manufacturers, traders and retailers in the sector. The proposal also stipulates more demanding levels for models that, today, have low representativeness in the market, such as window air conditioning.
According to this schedule, all "split" equipment with CEE below 3.02 must be withdrawn from the market within two years from the date of approval of the new regulation.
Source: Abrava.
