Under the new proposal, the maximum estimated energy consumption for large diameter and belt-driven ceiling fans would be decreased.

The Energy Department believes ceiling fans which comply with the new rules would save households about $39 over their lifespan - a saving of 40 percent - and cost customers around $10 more for each fan.

They say the $10 cost will be offset within four years.

However, the cost to manufacturers associated with the increased equipment will total $86.6 million per year, the department said.

Roger Williams, a Republican from Texas who chairs the House Small Business Committee, wrote to Jennifer Granholm, the energy secretary, on Thursday to demand they rethink the plan.

'This rule would require numerous small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products and may put between 10 and 30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers out of business,' wrote Williams and his colleagues.