International Experience in Standards and Labeling Programs for Rice Cookers

Abstract

China has had an active program on energy efficiency standards for household appliances since the mid-1990s. Rice cooker is among the first to be subject to such mandatory reg-ulation, since it is one of the most prevalent electric appliances in Chinese households. Since first introduced in 1989, the minimum energy efficiency standard for rice cookers has not been revised. Therefore, the potential for energy saving is considerable. Initial analysis from CNIS indicates that potential carbon savings is likely to reach 7.6 million tons of CO2 by the 10th year of the standard implementation.

Since September 2007, CNIS has been working with various groups to develop the new standard for rice cookers. With The Energy Foundation’s support, LBNL has assisted CNIS in the revision of the minimum energy efficiency standard for rice cookers that is expected to be effective in 2009. Specifically, work has been in the following areas: as-sistance in developing consumer survey on usage pattern of rice cookers, review of inter-national standards, review of international test procedures, comparison of the internation-al standards and test procedures, and assessment of technical options of reducing energy use.

This report particularly summarizes the findings of reviewing international standards and technical options of reducing energy consumption. The report consists of an overview of rice cooker standards and labeling programs and testing procedures in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Thailand, and Japan’s case study in developing energy efficiency rice cooker technologies and rice cooker efficiency programs.