This report discusses test procedures, efficiency standards, and reporting requirements for commercial dishwashers that the California Energy Commission (CEC) is considering for incorporation into the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Section 1601 to 1609). CEC staff analyzed the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed efficiency standards for commercial dishwashers and determined these standards are feasible and will cost-effectively create utility savings and provide environmental benefits relating to avoided resource use.
The standards for commercial dishwashers described in this report are proposed to take effect one year after their formal adoption. The standards are proposed to apply to the following commercial dishwashers: undercounter; door-type; pots, pans, and utensils; conveyor; as well as larger flight types that are generally used by the food service industry, including those used by educational services, healthcare industries, and corrections.
The proposed standards are estimated to save roughly 400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year of electricity, 18 million therms per year of fossil gas, and 2.6 billion gallons per year of water after full stock turnover, which is projected to occur 20 years after the standards become effective. These savings equate to about $200 million per year in utility bill savings ($113 million savings in electricity costs, $70 million savings in fossil gas costs, and $16 million savings in water costs).
Staff analyzed available market data for commercial dishwashers and concluded that the proposed standard would significantly reduce California’s energy resource use (fossil gas and electricity) and water consumption. Staff also determined that the minimum levels for the proposed standard for commercial dishwashers are technically feasible and cost-effective in accordance with the Warren Alquist Act.
