LG Electronics to Temporarily Remove Energy Star Label From Certain French Door Refrigerators

New Energy Star Rated Models in Production

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Jan 19, 2010, 04:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA has begun informing dealers that the company will temporarily remove the Energy Star label from certain French Door refrigerator-freezers.

Affected models are French Door models with ice-and-water service through the door: LFX21975ST, LFX25975SB, LFX25975ST, LFX25975SW, LFX28977SB, LFX28977ST, LFX28977SW, LMX25985SB, LMX25985ST and LMX25985SW. Other LG Energy Star rated refrigerator-freezers are unaffected.

New Energy Star-rated versions of French Door models, based on the new guidance the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued Dec. 18, 2009, should be in U.S. stores this spring, the company said.

In a lawsuit filed Dec. 4, 2009, LG asked the U.S. District Court to stop the DOE from unilaterally forcing the company to remove Energy Star labels from certain refrigerator-freezer models by Jan. 20, 2010. LG produced the refrigerators in compliance with criteria specified in a November 2008 agreement with the DOE, which the department announced it was revoking in November 2009. The court denied LG's motion for a preliminary injunction on Jan. 18 that sought to enforce the November 2008 agreement for certain refrigerator-freezers that already had been manufactured.

While the company is disappointed in the ruling and continues to believe it properly followed the correct DOE test procedures, LG will comply with the decision by Judge John D. Bates. The company will work with its retail partners to remove the Energy Star label on the affected models.

LG looks forward to working with the DOE to enhance the Energy Star program, and the company plans to continue its efforts to bring even more energy efficient products to market.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA