Trump energy chief claims $24 billion in consumer savings from regulatory rollbacks

In South Georgia, on a Friday in April 2025, Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited the Rinnai America Corporation tankless water heater factory to celebrate 100 days of Trump administration energy policies, which he claimed saved American consumers $24 billion. These savings resulted from the Department of Energy's decision to postpone Biden-era appliance regulations, particularly those affecting energy efficiency standards for tankless water heaters that would have taken effect in 2029. The Department of Energy had also repealed water usage restrictions on shower heads, an executive order signed by then-President Donald Trump. Congress played a crucial role as well, passing a bill in April 2025 under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to formalize the rollback of previous energy efficiency regulations. The CRA legislation was notably supported by Rinnai, concerned about the potential negative impact on their products. These previous standards were projected to render 40% of tankless water heaters illegal and would have forced manufacturers to adhere to stricter energy efficiency requirements that the industry claimed could limit consumer choice. Wright's remarks emphasized the necessity and privilege of having access to basic amenities such as hot water, reflecting broader themes of consumer choice and economic freedom. During his tour, he discussed how existing regulatory constraints hinder consumer options, reiterating the administration's focus on facilitating innovation and lessening bureaucratic overreach. Rinnai’s technologies, which include tankless water heaters that are more efficient than traditional tanks, stood to benefit from these policy changes as they align with the administration’s goals. The factory, which produces non-condensing tankless heaters, represents a shift in energy solutions but also faces challenges. While the technology produced by Rinnai is less efficient than condensing models, it remains a popular choice due to its lower cost and longer lifespan. The Department of Energy's upcoming 2023 rule mandates that water heaters consume 13% less energy than the least efficient models, raising concerns about the viability of existing technologies in meeting new standards. As the energy landscape evolves, businesses like Rinnai are adapting to shifting regulations while champions of consumer rights advocate for choices that appeal to diverse consumer needs.