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Proposed Rule2022-04272

Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Electric Motors, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document

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Published

March 2, 2022

Issuing agencies

Energy Department

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE" or "the Department") will hold a webinar to discuss and receive comments on the preliminary analysis it has conducted for purposes of evaluating energy conservation standards for electric motors. The meeting will cover the analytical framework, models, and tools used to evaluate potential standards for this equipment; the results of preliminary analyses performed for this equipment; the potential energy conservation standard levels derived from these analyses that may be considered for this equipment should proposed amendments be determined necessary; and any other issues relevant to the evaluation of energy conservation standards for electric motors. Written comments on these subjects from the public are encouraged.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11650-11657]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04272]

========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2022 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 11650]]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007]
RIN 1904-AE63

Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Electric Motors, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical
Support Document

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.

ACTION: Notification of a webinar and availability of preliminary
technical support document.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'')
will hold a webinar to discuss and receive comments on the preliminary
analysis it has conducted for purposes of evaluating energy
conservation standards for electric motors. The meeting will cover the
analytical framework, models, and tools used to evaluate potential
standards for this equipment; the results of preliminary analyses
performed for this equipment; the potential energy conservation
standard levels derived from these analyses that may be considered for
this equipment should proposed amendments be determined necessary; and
any other issues relevant to the evaluation of energy conservation
standards for electric motors. Written comments on these subjects from
the public are encouraged.

DATES:
Meeting: A webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, from
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. See section IV, ``Public Participation,'' for
webinar registration information, participant instructions and
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
Comments: Written comments and information will be accepted on or
before, May 2, 2022.

ADDRESSES: To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process,
an agenda, a preliminary technical support document, and related
briefing materials, are available at: <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=6&action=viewlive">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=6&action=viewlive</a>.
Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007,
by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9fcd5dcdaf4d6cdd6cbca8b898b89eaedfd8989898ef9dcdc97ddd6dc97ded6cf">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Include docket number
EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007 in the subject line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section IV of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of
public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a
commenter finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please
contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss
the need for alternative arrangements. Once the COVID-19 pandemic
health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail
and hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, public meeting transcripts, and other
supporting documents/materials, is available for review at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. All documents in the docket are listed in the
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> index. However, some documents listed in the index,
such as those containing information that is exempt from public
disclosure, may not be publicly available.
The docket web page can be found at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007</a>. The docket web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments in the docket. See
section IV for information on how to submit comments through
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE-2J, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#14556464787d757a77714760757a707566706745617167607d7b7a675471713a707b713a737b62">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3974505a51585c551772505d56795148175d565c175e564f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4a59494888d858a8781b790858a8085968097b5918197908d8b8a97a48181ca808b81ca838b92">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking Process
II. Background
A. Current Standards
B. Current Process
C. Deviation From Appendix A
III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE
A. Engineering Analysis
B. Markups Analysis
C. Energy Use Analysis
D. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses
E. National Impact Analysis
IV. Public Participation
A. Participation in the Webinar
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
C. Conduct of the Webinar
D. Submission of Comments
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Introduction

A. Authority

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of several consumer
products and certain

[[Page 11651]]

industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part C \2\ of
EPCA added by Public Law 95-619, Title IV, section 441(a) (42 U.S.C.
6311-6317, as codified), established the Energy Conservation Program
for Certain Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve the energy efficiency of certain types
of industrial equipment, including electric motors, the subject of this
notice. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (``EPACT 1992'') (Pub. L. 102-486
(Oct. 24, 1992)) further amended EPCA by establishing energy
conservation standards and test procedures for certain commercial and
industrial electric motors that are manufactured alone or as a
component of another piece of equipment. In December 2007, Congress
enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (``EISA
2007'') (Pub. L. 110-140 (Dec. 19, 2007). Section 313(b)(1) of EISA
2007 updated the energy conservation standards for those electric
motors already covered by EPCA and established energy conservation
standards for a larger scope of motors not previously covered by
standards. (42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(2)) EISA 2007 also revised certain
statutory definitions related to electric motors. See EISA 2007, sec.
313 (amending statutory definitions related to electric motors at 42
U.S.C. 6311(13))
EPCA further provides that, not later than 6 years after the
issuance of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE
must publish either a notification of determination that standards for
the equipment do not need to be amended, or a notice of proposed
rulemaking (``NOPR'') including new proposed energy conservation
standards (proceeding to a final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)) Not later than three years after
issuance of a final determination not to amend standards, DOE must
publish either a notice of determination that standards for the
equipment do not need to be amended, or a NOPR including new proposed
energy conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as
appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(3)(B))
Under EPCA, any new or amended energy conservation standard must be
designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that
DOE determines is technologically feasible and economically justified.
(42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) Furthermore, the new or
amended standard must result in a significant conservation of energy.
(42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B))
DOE is publishing this Preliminary Analysis to collect data and
information to inform its decision consistent with its obligations
under EPCA.

B. Rulemaking Process

DOE must follow specific statutory criteria for prescribing new or
amended standards for covered equipment, including electric motors. As
noted, EPCA requires that any new or amended energy conservation
standard prescribed by the Secretary of Energy (``Secretary'') be
designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency (or
water efficiency for certain products specified by EPCA) that is
technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) The Secretary may not prescribe an
amended or new standard that will not result in significant
conservation of energy or is not technologically feasible or
economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3))
The significance of energy savings offered by a new or amended
energy conservation standard cannot be determined without knowledge of
the specific circumstances surrounding a given rulemaking. For example,
the United States has now rejoined the Paris Agreement and will exert
leadership in confronting the climate crisis.\3\ Additionally, some
covered products and equipment have most of their energy consumption
occur during periods of peak energy demand. The impacts of these
products on the energy infrastructure can be more pronounced than
products with relatively constant demand. In evaluating the
significance of energy savings, DOE considers differences in primary
energy and FFC effects for different covered products and equipment
when determining whether energy savings are significant. Primary energy
and FFC effects include the energy consumed in electricity production
(depending on load shape), in distribution and transmission, and in
extracting, processing, and transporting primary fuels (i.e., coal,
natural gas, petroleum fuels), and thus present a more complete picture
of the impacts of energy conservation standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ See Executive Order 14008, 86 FR 7619 (Feb. 1, 2021)
(``Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accordingly, DOE evaluates the significance of energy savings on a
case-by-case basis. DOE has initially determined the energy savings for
the TSL proposed in this rulemaking are ``significant'' within the
meaning of 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B).
To determine whether a standard is economically justified, EPCA
requires that DOE determine whether the benefits of the standard exceed
its burdens by considering, to the greatest extent practicable, the
following seven factors:

(1) The economic impact of the standard on the manufacturers and
consumers of the products subject to the standard;
(2) The savings in operating costs throughout the estimated
average life of the covered products in the type (or class) compared
to any increase in the price, initial charges, or maintenance
expenses for the covered products that are likely to result from the
standard;
(3) The total projected amount of energy (or as applicable,
water) savings likely to result directly from the standard;
(4) Any lessening of the utility or the performance of the
products likely to result from the standard;
(5) The impact of any lessening of competition, as determined in
writing by the Attorney General, that is likely to result from the
standard;
(6) The need for national energy and water conservation; and
(7) Other factors the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) considers
relevant.

(42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)-(VII))

DOE fulfills these and other applicable requirements by conducting
a series of analyses throughout the rulemaking process. Table I.1 shows
the individual analyses that are performed to satisfy each of the
requirements within EPCA.

Table I.1--EPCA Requirements and Corresponding DOE Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPCA requirement Corresponding DOE analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Significant Energy Savings............. <bullet> Shipments Analysis.
<bullet> National Impact
Analysis.

[[Page 11652]]

<bullet> Energy Use Analysis.
Technological Feasibility.............. <bullet> Market and Technology
Assessment.
<bullet> Screening Analysis.
<bullet> Engineering Analysis.
Economic Justification:
1. Economic impact on manufacturers <bullet> Manufacturer Impact
and consumers. Analysis.
<bullet> Life-Cycle Cost and
Payback Period Analysis.
<bullet> Life-Cycle Cost
Subgroup Analysis.
<bullet> Shipments Analysis.
2. Lifetime operating cost savings <bullet> Markups for Product
compared to increased cost for the Price Analysis.
product.
<bullet> Energy Use Analysis.
<bullet> Life-Cycle Cost and
Payback Period Analysis.
3. Total projected energy savings.. <bullet> Shipments Analysis.
<bullet> National Impact
Analysis.
4. Impact on utility or performance <bullet> Screening Analysis.
<bullet> Engineering Analysis.
5. Impact of any lessening of <bullet> Manufacturer Impact
competition. Analysis.
6. Need for national energy and <bullet> Shipments Analysis.
water conservation.
<bullet> National Impact
Analysis.
7. Other factors the Secretary <bullet> Employment Impact
considers relevant. Analysis.
<bullet> Utility Impact
Analysis.
<bullet> Emissions Analysis.
<bullet> Monetization of
Emission Reductions Benefits.
<bullet> Regulatory Impact
Analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Further, EPCA establishes a rebuttable presumption that a standard
is economically justified if the Secretary finds that the additional
cost to the consumer of purchasing a product complying with an energy
conservation standard level will be less than three times the value of
the energy savings during the first year that the consumer will receive
as a result of the standard, as calculated under the applicable test
procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(iii))
EPCA also contains what is known as an ``anti-backsliding''
provision, which prevents the Secretary from prescribing any amended
standard that either increases the maximum allowable energy use or
decreases the minimum required energy efficiency of a covered product.
(42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(1)) Also, the Secretary may not
prescribe an amended or new standard if interested persons have
established by a preponderance of the evidence that the standard is
likely to result in the unavailability in the United States in any
covered product type (or class) of performance characteristics
(including reliability), features, sizes, capacities, and volumes that
are substantially the same as those generally available in the United
States. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(4))
Additionally, EPCA specifies requirements when promulgating an
energy conservation standard for a covered product that has two or more
subcategories. DOE must specify a different standard level for a type
or class of product that has the same function or intended use, if DOE
determines that products within such group: (A) Consume a different
kind of energy from that consumed by other covered products within such
type (or class); or (B) have a capacity or other performance-related
feature which other products within such type (or class) do not have
and such feature justifies a higher or lower standard. (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(q)(1)) In determining whether a performance-
related feature justifies a different standard for a group of products,
DOE must consider such factors as the utility to the consumer of the
feature and other factors DOE deems appropriate. Id. Any rule
prescribing such a standard must include an explanation of the basis on
which such higher or lower level was established. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a);
42 U.S.C. 6295(q)(2))
Before proposing a standard, DOE typically seeks public input on
the analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE intends to use to
evaluate standards for the equipment at issue and the results of
preliminary analyses DOE performed for the equipment.
DOE is examining whether to amend the current standards for
electric motors pursuant to its obligations under EPCA. This
notification announces the availability of the preliminary TSD, which
details the preliminary analyses and summarizes the preliminary results
of DOE's analyses. In addition, DOE is announcing a public meeting to
solicit feedback from interested parties on its analytical framework,
models, and preliminary results.

C. Deviation From Appendix A

Under 10 CFR 431.4, the provisions of 10 CFR part 430, subpart C,
appendix A (``appendix A''), apply to commercial and industrial
equipment regulated by DOE. In accordance with section 3(a) of appendix
A, DOE notes that it is deviating from the provision in appendix A
regarding the pre-NOPR stages for an energy conservation standards
rulemaking. Section 6(a)(2) of appendix A states that if the Department
determines it is appropriate to proceed with a rulemaking (after
initiating the rulemaking process through an early assessment), the
preliminary stages of a rulemaking to issue or amend an energy
conservation standard that DOE will undertake will be a framework
document and preliminary analysis, or an advance notice of proposed
rulemaking (``ANOPR''). DOE is opting to deviate from this step by
publishing a preliminary analysis without a framework document. A
framework document is intended to introduce and summarize the various
analyses DOE conducts during the rulemaking process and requests
initial feedback from interested parties. DOE issued an early
assessment request for information on May 21, 2020 (``May 2020 Early
Assessment Review RFI'') in which DOE identified and sought comment on
technological or market changes to help determine whether the existing
energy conservation standards for electric

[[Page 11653]]

motors should be amended. 85 FR 30878. DOE provided a 30-day comment
period for the RFI. Id. As DOE is intending to rely on substantively
the same analytical methods as in the 2014 rulemaking, publication of a
framework document would be largely redundant with the published early
assessment RFI. As such, DOE is not publishing a framework document.
Section 6(d)(2) of appendix A specifies that the length of the
public comment period for pre-NOPR rulemaking documents will vary
depending upon the circumstances of the particular rulemaking, but will
not be less than 75 calendar days. For this preliminary analysis, DOE
has opted to instead provide a 60-day comment period. As stated, DOE
requested comment in the May 2020 Early Assessment Review RFI on the
analysis conducted in support of the last energy conservation standard
rulemaking for electric motors. For this preliminary analysis, DOE has
relied on many of the same analytical assumptions and approaches as
used in the previous rulemaking and has determined that a 60-day
comment period in conjunction with the prior 30-day comment period
provides sufficient time for interested parties to review the
preliminary analysis and develop comments.

II. Background

A. Current Standards

On May 29, 2014, DOE published a final rule adopting new and
amended energy conservation standards for electric motors other than
fire pump electric motors, consistent with the efficiency levels
(``ELs'') specified in Table 12-12 of National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (``NEMA'') Standards Publication MG 1-2011, ``Motors and
Generators,'' and retained the standards for fire pump motors. 79 FR
30934 (``May 2014 Final Rule''). These standards are set forth in DOE's
regulations at 10 CFR 431.25 and are repeated in Table II.1, Table II.2
and Table II.3 (for electric motors starting on June 1, 2016).

Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for NEMA Design A, NEMA Design B and IEC Design N Motors
(Excluding Fire Pump Electric Motors) at 60 Hz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nominal full-load efficiency (%)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor horsepower/standard 2-Pole 4-Pole 6-Pole 8-Pole
kilowatt equivalent -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enclosed Open Enclosed Open Enclosed Open Enclosed Open
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/.75....................... 77.0 77.0 85.5 85.5 82.5 82.5 75.5 75.5
1.5/1.1..................... 84.0 84.0 86.5 86.5 87.5 86.5 78.5 77.0
2/1.5....................... 85.5 85.5 86.5 86.5 88.5 87.5 84.0 86.5
3/2.2....................... 86.5 85.5 89.5 89.5 89.5 88.5 85.5 87.5
5/3.7....................... 88.5 86.5 89.5 89.5 89.5 89.5 86.5 88.5
7.5/5.5..................... 89.5 88.5 91.7 91.0 91.0 90.2 86.5 89.5
10/7.5...................... 90.2 89.5 91.7 91.7 91.0 91.7 89.5 90.2
15/11....................... 91.0 90.2 92.4 93.0 91.7 91.7 89.5 90.2
20/15....................... 91.0 91.0 93.0 93.0 91.7 92.4 90.2 91.0
25/18.5..................... 91.7 91.7 93.6 93.6 93.0 93.0 90.2 91.0
30/22....................... 91.7 91.7 93.6 94.1 93.0 93.6 91.7 91.7
40/30....................... 92.4 92.4 94.1 94.1 94.1 94.1 91.7 91.7
50/37....................... 93.0 93.0 94.5 94.5 94.1 94.1 92.4 92.4
60/45....................... 93.6 93.6 95.0 95.0 94.5 94.5 92.4 93.0
75/55....................... 93.6 93.6 95.4 95.0 94.5 94.5 93.6 94.1
100/75...................... 94.1 93.6 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.0 93.6 94.1
125/90...................... 95.0 94.1 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.0 94.1 94.1
150/110..................... 95.0 94.1 95.8 95.8 95.8 95.4 94.1 94.1
200/150..................... 95.4 95.0 96.2 95.8 95.8 95.4 94.5 94.1
250/186..................... 95.8 95.0 96.2 95.8 95.8 95.8 95.0 95.0
300/224..................... 95.8 95.4 96.2 95.8 95.8 95.8 ......... ........
350/261..................... 95.8 95.4 96.2 95.8 95.8 95.8
400/298..................... 95.8 95.8 96.2 95.8 ......... ........ ......... ........
450/336..................... 95.8 96.2 96.2 96.2 ......... ........ ......... ........
500/373..................... 95.8 96.2 96.2 96.2 ......... ........ ......... ........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table II.2--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for NEMA Design C and IEC Design H Motors at 60 Hz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nominal full-load efficiency (%)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Motor horsepower/standard kilowatt equivalent 4-Pole 6-Pole 8-Pole
--------------------------------------------------------------
Enclosed Open Enclosed Open Enclosed Open
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/.75............................................ 85.5 85.5 82.5 82.5 75.5 75.5
1.5/1.1.......................................... 86.5 86.5 87.5 86.5 78.5 77.0
2/1.5............................................ 86.5 86.5 88.5 87.5 84.0 86.5
3/2.2............................................ 89.5 89.5 89.5 88.5 85.5 87.5
5/3.7............................................ 89.5 89.5 89.5 89.5 86.5 88.5
7.5/5.5.......................................... 91.7 91.0 91.0 90.2 86.5 89.5
10/7.5........................................... 91.7 91.7 91.0 91.7 89.5 90.2
15/11............................................ 92.4 93.0 91.7 91.7 89.5 90.2

[[Page 11654]]

20/15............................................ 93.0 93.0 91.7 92.4 90.2 91.0
25/18.5.......................................... 93.6 93.6 93.0 93.0 90.2 91.0
30/22............................................ 93.6 94.1 93.0 93.6 91.7 91.7
40/30............................................ 94.1 94.1 94.1 94.1 91.7 91.7
50/37............................................ 94.5 94.5 94.1 94.1 92.4 92.4
60/45............................................ 95.0 95.0 94.5 94.5 92.4 93.0
75/55............................................ 95.4 95.0 94.5 94.5 93.6 94.1
100/75........................................... 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.0 93.6 94.1
125/90........................................... 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.0 94.1 94.1
150/110.......................................... 95.8 95.8 95.8 95.4 94.1 94.1
200/150.......................................... 96.2 95.8 95.8 95.4 94.5 94.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table II.3--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Fire Pump Electric Motors at 60 Hz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nominal full-load efficiency (%)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor horsepower/standard 2-Pole 4-Pole 6-Pole 8-Pole
kilowatt equivalent -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enclosed Open Enclosed Open Enclosed Open Enclosed Open
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/.75....................... 75.5 ........ 82.5 82.5 80.0 80.0 74.0 74.0
1.5/1.1..................... 82.5 82.5 84.0 84.0 85.5 84.0 77.0 75.5
2/1.5....................... 84.0 84.0 84.0 84.0 86.5 85.5 82.5 85.5
3/2.2....................... 85.5 84.0 87.5 86.5 87.5 86.5 84.0 86.5
5/3.7....................... 87.5 85.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.5 85.5 87.5
7.5/5.5..................... 88.5 87.5 89.5 88.5 89.5 88.5 85.5 88.5
10/7.5...................... 89.5 88.5 89.5 89.5 89.5 90.2 88.5 89.5
15/11....................... 90.2 89.5 91.0 91.0 90.2 90.2 88.5 89.5
20/15....................... 90.2 90.2 91.0 91.0 90.2 91.0 89.5 90.2
25/18.5..................... 91.0 91.0 92.4 91.7 91.7 91.7 89.5 90.2
30/22....................... 91.0 91.0 92.4 92.4 91.7 92.4 91.0 91.0
40/30....................... 91.7 91.7 93.0 93.0 93.0 93.0 91.0 91.0
50/37....................... 92.4 92.4 93.0 93.0 93.0 93.0 91.7 91.7
60/45....................... 93.0 93.0 93.6 93.6 93.6 93.6 91.7 92.4
75/55....................... 93.0 93.0 94.1 94.1 93.6 93.6 93.0 93.6
100/75...................... 93.6 93.0 94.5 94.1 94.1 94.1 93.0 93.6
125/90...................... 94.5 93.6 94.5 94.5 94.1 94.1 93.6 93.6
150/110..................... 94.5 93.6 95.0 95.0 95.0 94.5 93.6 93.6
200/150..................... 95.0 94.5 95.0 95.0 95.0 94.5 94.1 93.6
250/186..................... 95.4 94.5 95.0 95.4 95.0 95.4 94.5 94.5
300/224..................... 95.4 95.0 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.4 ......... ........
350/261..................... 95.4 95.0 95.4 95.4 95.0 95.4 ......... ........
400/298..................... 95.4 95.4 95.4 95.4 ......... ........ ......... ........
450/336..................... 95.4 95.8 95.4 95.8 ......... ........ ......... ........
500/373..................... 95.4 95.8 95.8 95.8 ......... ........ ......... ........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Current Process

In it May 2020 Early Assessment Review RFI, DOE stated that it was
initiating an early assessment review to determine whether any new or
amended standards would satisfy the relevant requirements of EPCA for a
new or amended energy conservation standard for electric motors and
sought information related to that effort. Specifically, DOE sought
data and information that could enable the agency to determine whether
DOE should propose a ``no new standard'' determination because a more
stringent standard: (1) Would not result in a significant savings of
energy; (2) is not technologically feasible; (3) is not economically
justified; or (4) any combination of the foregoing. 85 FR 30878, 30879.
Comments received to date as part of the current process have
helped DOE identify and resolve issues related to the preliminary
analyses. Chapter 2 of the preliminary TSD summarizes and addresses the
comments received.

III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE

For the equipment covered in this preliminary analysis, DOE
conducted in-depth technical analyses in the following areas: (1)
Engineering; (2) markups to determine product price; (3) energy use;
(4) life cycle cost (``LCC'') and payback period (``PBP''); and (5)
national impacts. The preliminary TSD that presents the methodology and
results of each of these analyses is available at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0007</a>.

[[Page 11655]]

DOE also conducted, and has included in the preliminary TSD,
several other analyses that support the major analyses or are
preliminary analyses that will be expanded if DOE determines that a
NOPR is warranted to propose amended energy conservation standards.
These analyses include: (1) The market and technology assessment; (2)
the screening analysis, which contributes to the engineering analysis;
and (3) the shipments analysis, which contributes to the LCC and PBP
analysis and the national impact analysis (``NIA''). In addition to
these analyses, DOE has begun preliminary work on the manufacturer
impact analysis. DOE has also identified the methods to be used for the
consumer subgroup analysis, the emissions analysis, the employment
impact analysis, the regulatory impact analysis, and the utility impact
analysis. DOE will expand on these analyses in the NOPR should one be
issued.

A. Engineering Analysis

The purpose of the engineering analysis is to establish the
relationship between the efficiency and cost of electric motors. There
are two elements to consider in the engineering analysis: (1) The
selection of efficiency levels to analyze (i.e., the ``efficiency
analysis'') and (2) the determination of equipment cost at each
efficiency level (i.e., the ``cost analysis''). In determining the
performance of higher-efficiency equipment, DOE considers technologies
and design option combinations not eliminated by the screening
analysis. For each equipment class, DOE estimates the manufacturer
production cost (``MPC'') for the baseline as well as higher efficiency
levels. The output of the engineering analysis is a set of cost-
efficiency ``curves'' that are used in downstream analyses (i.e., the
LCC and PBP analyses and the NIA).
DOE converts the MPC to the manufacturer selling price (``MSP'') by
applying a manufacturer markup. The MSP is the price the manufacturer
charges its first customer, when selling into the equipment
distribution channels. The manufacturer markup accounts for
manufacturer non-production costs and profit margin. DOE developed the
manufacturer markup by examining publicly available financial
information for manufacturers of the covered equipment.
See Chapter 5 of the preliminary TSD for additional detail on the
engineering analysis.

B. Markups Analysis

The markups analysis develops appropriate markups (e.g., retailer
markups, distributor markups, contractor markups) in the distribution
chain and sales taxes to convert manufacturer selling cost (``MSP'')
estimates derived in the engineering analysis to consumer prices, which
are then used in the LCC and PBP analysis. At each step in the
distribution channel, companies mark up the price of the equipment to
cover business costs and profit margin.
DOE developed baseline and incremental markups for each actor in
the distribution chain. Baseline markups are applied to the price of
equipment with baseline efficiency, while incremental markups are
applied to the difference in price between baseline and higher-
efficiency models (the incremental cost increase). The incremental
markup is typically less than the baseline markup and is designed to
maintain similar per-unit operating profit before and after new or
amended standards.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ Because the projected price of products at efficiency levels
above the baseline is typically higher than the price of baseline
products, using the same markup for the incremental cost and the
baseline cost would result in higher per-unit operating profit.
While such an outcome is possible, DOE maintains that in markets
that are reasonably competitive it is unlikely that standards would
lead to a sustainable increase in profitability in the long run.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6 of the preliminary TSD provides details on DOE's
development of markups for electric motors.

C. Energy Use Analysis

The purpose of the energy use analysis is to determine the annual
energy consumption of electric motors at different efficiencies in
representative commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers, and
to assess the energy savings potential of increased electric motor
efficiency. The energy use analysis estimates the range of energy use
of electric motors in the field (i.e., as they are actually used by
consumers). The energy use analysis provides the basis for other
analyses DOE performed, particularly assessments of the energy savings
and the savings in consumer operating costs that could result from
adoption of amended or new standards.
Chapter 7 of the preliminary TSD addresses the energy use analysis.

D. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses

The effect of new or amended energy conservation standards on
individual consumers usually involves a reduction in operating cost and
an increase in purchase cost. DOE used the following two metrics to
measure consumer impacts:
<bullet> The LCC is the total consumer expense of an appliance or
product over the life of that product, consisting of total installed
cost (manufacturer selling price, distribution chain markups, sales
tax, and installation costs) plus operating costs (expenses for energy
use, maintenance, and repair). To compute the operating costs, DOE
discounts future operating costs to the time of purchase and sums them
over the lifetime of the product.
<bullet> The PBP is the estimated amount of time (in years) it
takes consumers to recover the increased purchase cost (including
installation) of a more-efficient product through lower operating
costs. DOE calculates the PBP by dividing the change in purchase cost
at higher efficiency levels by the change in annual operating cost for
the year that amended or new standards are assumed to take effect.
Chapter 8 of the preliminary TSD addresses the LCC and PBP
analyses.

E. National Impact Analysis

The NIA estimates the national energy savings (``NES'') and the net
present value (``NPV'') of total consumer costs and savings expected to
result from amended standards at specific efficiency levels (referred
to as candidate standard levels).\5\ DOE calculates the NES and NPV for
the potential standard levels considered based on projections of annual
equipment shipments, along with the annual energy consumption and total
installed cost data from the energy use and LCC analyses. For the
present analysis, DOE projected the energy savings, operating cost
savings, equipment costs, and NPV of consumer benefits over the
lifetime of electric motors sold from 2026 through 2055.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ The NIA accounts for impacts in the 50 states and U.S.
territories.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE evaluates the impacts of new or amended standards by comparing
a case without such standards (``no-new-standards case'') with
standards-case projections. The no-new-standards case characterizes
energy use and consumer costs for each equipment class in the absence
of new or amended energy conservation standards. For this projection,
DOE considers historical trends in efficiency and various forces that
are likely to affect the mix of efficiencies over time. DOE compares
the no-new-standards case with projections characterizing the market
for each equipment class if DOE adopted new or amended standards at
specific energy efficiency levels for that class. For each efficiency
level, DOE considers how a given standard would likely affect the
market shares of equipment with efficiencies greater than the standard.

[[Page 11656]]

DOE uses a spreadsheet model to calculate the energy savings and
the national consumer costs and savings from each efficiency level.
Interested parties can review DOE's analyses by changing various input
quantities within the spreadsheet. The NIA spreadsheet model uses
typical values (as opposed to probability distributions) as inputs.
Critical inputs to this analysis include shipments projections,
estimated product lifetimes, equipment installed costs and operating
costs, equipment annual energy consumption, the no-new standards case
efficiency projection, and discount rates.
DOE estimates a combined total of 11.9 quads of site energy savings
at the max-tech efficiency levels for electric motors. Combined site
energy savings at Efficiency Level 1 for all equipment classes are
estimated to be 3.3 quads.
Chapter 10 of the preliminary TSD addresses the NIA.

IV. Public Participation

DOE invites public participation in this process through
participation in the webinar and submission of written comments and
information. After the webinar and the closing of the comment period,
DOE will consider all timely-submitted comments and additional
information obtained from interested parties, as well as information
obtained through further analyses. Following such consideration, the
Department will publish either a determination that the standards for
electric motors need not be amended or a NOPR proposing to amend those
standards. The NOPR, should one be issued, would include proposed
energy conservation standards for the products covered by that
rulemaking, and members of the public would be given an opportunity to
submit written and oral comments on the proposed standards.

A. Participation in the Webinar

The time and date of the webinar meeting are listed in the DATES
section at the beginning of this document. Webinar registration
information, participant instructions, and information about the
capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on
DOE's website: <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=6&action=viewlive">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=6&action=viewlive</a>. Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software.

B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution

Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this
notice, or who is representative of a group or class of persons that
has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an
oral presentation at the webinar. Such persons may submit such request
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#115061617d78707f72744265707f75706375624064746265787e7f625174743f757e743f767e67">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Persons who wish to speak
should include with their request a computer file in Microsoft Word,
PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes the nature of
their interest in this rulemaking and the topics they wish to discuss.
Such persons should also provide a daytime telephone number where they
can be reached.

C. Conduct of the Webinar

DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar and may
also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will
not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but DOE will
conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6306). A
court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and prepare a
transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of
the webinar. There shall not be discussion of proprietary information,
costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters regulated by
U.S. anti-trust laws. After the webinar and until the end of the
comment period, interested parties may submit further comments on the
proceedings and any aspect of the rulemaking.
The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE
will present an overview of the topics addressed in the preliminary
analysis, allow time for prepared general statements by participants,
and encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues
affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed to make a
general statement (within time limits determined by DOE), before the
discussion of specific topics. DOE will permit, as time permits, other
participants to comment briefly on any general statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of
participants concerning other matters relevant to this rulemaking. The
official conducting the webinar will accept additional comments or
questions from those attending, as time permits. The presiding official
will announce any further procedural rules or modification of the above
procedures that may be needed for the proper conduct of the webinar.
A transcript of the webinar will be included in the docket, which
can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning of
this notice. In addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript
from the transcribing reporter.

D. Submission of Comments

DOE invites all interested parties, regardless of whether they
participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by May 2, 2022,
comments and information on matters addressed in this notification and
on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of amended energy
conservations standards for electric motors. Interested parties may
submit comments, data, and other information using any of the methods
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this document.
Submitting comments via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment itself or in any documents attached to your
comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable
should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to
your comment. If this instruction is followed, persons viewing comments
will see only first and last names, organization names, correspondence
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments

[[Page 11657]]

received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the
Confidential Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via
email also will be posted to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. If you do not want
your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead,
provide your contact information in a cover letter. Include your first
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it
does not include any comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. No faxes will be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, that are written in English, and that are free of any
defects or viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or
any form of encryption and, if possible, they should carry the
electronic signature of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked
``confidential'' including all the information believed to be
confidential, and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential''
with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make
its own determination about the confidential status of the information
and treat it according to its determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).

V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this
notification of a webinar and availability of preliminary technical
support document.

Signing Authority

This document of the Department of Energy was signed on February
23, 2022, by Kelly J. Speaks-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to
delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with
the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For
administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of
the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for publication, as an official document
of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way
alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the
Federal Register.

Signed in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-04272 Filed 3-1-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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