DOE has issued a pre-publication Federal Register final rule pertaining to test procedures for portable electric spas. DOE is establishing definitions, a test procedure, and representation provisions for portable electric spas. Currently, portable electric spas are not subject to DOE test procedures or energy conservation standards. DOE is adopting a test procedure for measuring the standby loss for portable electric spas. The test method references the relevant industry test standard with certain additions and modifications.

• The effective date of this rule is 30 days after the notice has been published in the Federal Register. DOE will send a follow-up e-mail once the notice publishes to announce the effective date.
• Compliance with the final rule will be mandatory for representations of fill volume and standby loss made on or after the compliance date of any energy conservation standards for portable electric spas. The incorporation by reference of certain materials listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 30 days after the notice has been published in the Federal Register. DOE will send a follow-up e-mail once the notice publishes to announce the effective date.

DOE has published a Federal Register notice that tentatively determines that portable electric spas qualify as a covered product under Part A of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA). DOE has tentatively determined that coverage of portable electric spas is necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA and that the average U.S. household energy use for portable electric spas is likely to exceed 100 kilowatt- hours per year.

For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.

There are currently no energy conservation standards for portable electric spas.

There are currently no test procedures for portable electric spas.