In an unprecedented move that could affect markets for everything from dishwashers to large industrial motors, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in October 2009 that it would begin enforcing compliance for all products subject to federal efficiency standards or Energy Star specifications. This new policy is intended to ensure that these products actually do operate at least as efficiently as advertised and to bring greater confidence to consumers. To the degree that the new enforcement policy identifies underperforming products, it could increase the actual savings realized by utility programs that are promoting Energy Star equipment.