SIA has brokered an agreement between security industry and environmental groups concerning the future energy efficiency of security devices.
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 requires electronic devices to meet efficiency standards designated for “active,” “off” and “standby” modes. These requirements apply to electronic security and life safety devices – such as video surveillance, intrusion detection and access control systems – even though this equipment is always in “active” mode. Meeting efficiency standards for “off” and “standby” modes that are never used can unnecessarily drive up the cost of these systems, potentially making them less affordable for families, businesses and other end-users. As a result, SIA has presented key members of Congress with proposed legislative language that would exempt security and life safety devices from the “off” and “standby” requirements. The proposed amendment has the support of both industry and environmental organizations.
The legislative language has been presented to the members and staff of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the form of a consensus amendment that could be added to energy/climate change legislation that is being considered by the Senate. The measure would retain EISA’s “active” mode efficiency standards for security and life safety products and would make the “off” and “standby” exemptions reviewable by the U.S. secretary of energy in 2017.
In addition to SIA, the amendment is supported by the Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, the Electronic Security Association (formerly known as the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association) and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
