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Proposed Rule2022-04495

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

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Published

March 3, 2022

Issuing agencies

Energy Department

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") will hold a webinar to discuss and receive comments on the preliminary analysis it has conducted for purposes of evaluating energy conservation standards for battery chargers. The meeting will cover the analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE is using to evaluate potential standards for this product; the results of preliminary analyses performed by DOE for this product; the potential energy conservation standard levels derived from these analyses that DOE could consider for this product should it determine that proposed amendments are necessary; and any other issues relevant to the evaluation of energy conservation standards for battery chargers. In addition, DOE encourages written comments on these subjects. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has prepared an agenda, a preliminary technical support document ("TSD"), and briefing materials, which are available on the DOE website at: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/ standards.aspx?productid=26&action=viewlive.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11990-11996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04495]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2020-BT-STD-0013]
RIN 1904-AE50

Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Battery Chargers, 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.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') will hold a webinar to
discuss and receive comments on the preliminary analysis it has
conducted for purposes of evaluating energy conservation standards for
battery chargers. The meeting will cover the analytical framework,
models, and tools that DOE is using to evaluate potential standards for
this product; the results of preliminary analyses performed by DOE for
this product; the potential energy conservation standard levels derived
from these analyses that DOE could consider for this product should it
determine that proposed amendments are necessary; and any other issues
relevant to the evaluation of energy conservation standards for battery
chargers. In addition, DOE encourages written comments on these
subjects. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process,
DOE has prepared an agenda, a preliminary technical support document
(``TSD''), and briefing materials, which are available on the DOE
website at: <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=26&action=viewlive">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=26&action=viewlive</a>.

DATES:
Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Thursday, April 21, 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: 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-0013,
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: to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8be9eaffffeef9f2e8e3eaf9eceef9f8b9bbb9bbd8dfcfbbbbbab8cbeeeea5efe4eea5ece4fd">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Include docket
number EERE-2020-BT-STD-0013 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 coronavirus 2019 (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-0013">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0013</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#b2f3c2c2dedbd3dcd1d7e1c6d3dcd6d3c0d6c1e3c7d7c1c6dbdddcc1f2d7d79cd6ddd79cd5ddc4">[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#1c51757f747d797032577578735c746d32787379327b736a">[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#74350404181d151a17112700151a101506100725011107001d1b1a073411115a101b115a131b02">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking Process
C. Deviation From Appendix A
II. Background
A. Current Standards
B. Current Process
III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE
A. Market and Technology Assessment
B. Screening Analysis
C. Engineering Analysis
D. Markups Analysis
E. Energy Use Analysis
F. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses
G. 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 a number of
consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-
6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation

[[Page 11991]]

Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. These products
include battery chargers, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C.
6291(32); 42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(II); 42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(20))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\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 B was redesignated Part A.
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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 product 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.
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 product 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. 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. 6295(o)(2)(A)) Furthermore, the new or amended standard must
result in a significant conservation of energy. (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 products, including battery chargers. 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.
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.
6295(o)(3))
To adopt any new or amended standards for a covered product, DOE
must determine that such action would result in significant energy
savings. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B)) 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.\3\ For example, the United States rejoined the
Paris Agreement on February 19, 2021. As part of that agreement, the
United States has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (``GHG'')
emissions in order to limit the rise in mean global temperature. As
such, energy savings that reduce GHG emission have taken on greater
importance. 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 full-fuel-cycle (``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.
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\3\ See 86 FR 70892, 70901 (Dec. 13, 2021).
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Accordingly, DOE evaluates the significance of energy savings on a
case-by-case basis. DOE estimates a combined total of 0.96 quads of FFC
energy savings at the max-tech efficiency levels for battery chargers.
This represents a 24 percent energy savings relative to the no-new-
standards case energy consumption for battery chargers. DOE has
initially determined the energy savings for the candidate standard
levels considered in this preliminary analysis 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. 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.
<bullet> Energy 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.

[[Page 11992]]

<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 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 water <bullet> Shipments Analysis.
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 \4\
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. 6295(o)(2)(B)(iii))
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\4\ Currently, in compliance with the preliminary injunction
issued on February 11, 2022, in Louisiana v. Biden, No. 21-cv-1074-
JDC-KK (W.D. La.), DOE is not monetizing the costs of greenhouse gas
emissions.
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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. 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.
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.
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. 6295(q)(2))
Finally, pursuant to the amendments contained in the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (``EISA 2007''), Public Law 110-
140 (December 19, 2007), any final rule for new or amended energy
conservation standards promulgated after July 1, 2010, is required to
address standby mode and off mode energy use. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3))
Specifically, when DOE adopts a standard for a covered product after
that date, it must, if justified by the criteria for adoption of
standards under EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)), incorporate standby mode and
off mode energy use into a single standard, or, if that is not
feasible, adopt a separate standard for such energy use for that
product. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)(A)-(B)) DOE's current test procedures
for battery chargers address standby mode and off mode energy use. In
this Preliminary Analysis, DOE intends to incorporate such energy use
into any amended energy conservation standards it adopts in the final
rule.
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 product at issue and the results of
preliminary analyses DOE performed for the product.
DOE is examining whether to amend the current standards 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

In accordance with section 3(a) of 10 CFR part 430, subpart C,
appendix A (``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, 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 generally
the various analyses DOE conducts during the rulemaking process and
requests initial feedback from interested parties. As discussed further
in the following section, prior to this notification of the preliminary
analysis, DOE issued a request for information on September 16, 2020
(``September 2020 RFI'') in

[[Page 11993]]

which DOE discussed the previous battery charger energy conservation
standards final rule published on June 13, 2016 (81 FR 38266, ``June
2016 Final Rule''). 85 FR 57787. In that RFI, DOE requested comment on
whether there were changes to the technologies considered as part of
the June 2016 Final Rule that would affect potential amended standards
and on any aspect of its economic justification analysis. 85 FR 57787,
57791-57798. While DOE received comments on the assumptions employed in
the analysis conducted in support of the June 2016 Final Rule (AHAM,
No. 7 at p.3 and pp.5-6),\5\ DOE did not receive comments or data
suggesting DOE rely on a different analytical framework from that
conducted for the June 2016 Final Rule. As DOE intends to rely on
substantively the same analytical methods as in the most recent
rulemaking, publication of a framework document would not introduce an
analytical framework different from that on which comment was requested
in the September 2020 RFI and on which comment was received. As such,
DOE is not publishing a framework document.
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\5\ The parenthetical reference provides a reference for
information located in the docket of DOE's rulemaking to amend
standards for battery chargers. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-TP-0013,
which is maintained at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>). The references are
arranged as follows: (Commenter name, comment docket ID number, page
of that document).
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Further, 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 September 2020 RFI on the
analysis conducted in support of the June 2016 Final Rule and provided
stakeholders a 75-day comment period. DOE, however, did not receive
comments suggesting a need to substantively change the analytical
approach previously taken. Given that the analysis will largely remain
the same, and in light of the 75-day comment period DOE has already
provided with its September 2020 RFI, DOE has determined that a 60-day
comment period is sufficient to enable interested parties to review the
tentative methodologies and accompanying analysis to develop meaningful
comments in response to the battery charger preliminary analysis.

II. Background

A. Current Standards

In its June 2016 Final Rule, DOE prescribed the current energy
conservation standards for battery chargers manufactured on and after
June 13, 2018. 81 FR 38266. These standards are set forth in DOE's
regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(z) and are repeated in Table II.1. The
currently applicable DOE test procedure for battery chargers appears at
10 CFR part 430 subpart B, appendix Y (``Appendix Y'').

Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum UEC (kWh/yr) (as a
Product class function of rated battery energy
(``Ebatt''))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1................................. 3.04.
2................................. 0.1440 * Ebatt + 2.95.
3................................. For Ebatt <10 Wh, 1.42 kWh/y, Ebatt
>=10 Wh, 0.0255 * Ebatt + 1.16.
4................................. 0.11 * Ebatt + 3.18.
5................................. 0.0257 * Ebatt + .815.
6................................. 0.0778 * Ebatt + 2.4.
7................................. 0.0502 * Ebatt + 4.53.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Current Process

On September 16, 2020, DOE initiated an early assessment RFI 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 battery chargers. 85 FR 57787 (``September 2020 Early
Assessment Review RFI''). Through that RFI, 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 foregoing. Id.
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 battery chargers 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-0013">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-STD-0013</a>.
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 and has 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. Market and Technology Assessment

DOE develops information in the market and technology assessment
that provides an overall picture of the market for the products
concerned, including general characteristics of the products, the
industry structure, manufacturers, market characteristics, and
technologies used in the products. This activity includes both
quantitative and qualitative assessments, based primarily on publicly
available information. The subjects addressed in the market and
technology assessment include: (1) A determination of the scope of the
rulemaking and product classes, (2) manufacturers and industry
structure, (3) existing efficiency programs, (4) shipments information,
(5) market and industry trends, and (6) technologies or design options
that could improve the energy efficiency of the product.
See chapter 3 of the preliminary TSD for further discussion of the
market and technology assessment.

B. Screening Analysis

DOE uses the following five screening criteria to determine which
technology options are suitable for further consideration in an energy
conservation standards rulemaking:
(1) Technological feasibility. Technologies that are not
incorporated in commercial products or in working prototypes will not
be considered further.

[[Page 11994]]

(2) Practicability to manufacture, install, and service. If it is
determined that mass production and reliable installation and servicing
of a technology in commercial products could not be achieved on the
scale necessary to serve the relevant market at the time of the
projected compliance date of the standard, then that technology will
not be considered further.
(3) Impacts on product utility or product availability. If it is
determined that a technology would have a significant adverse impact on
the utility of the product for significant subgroups of consumers or
would result in the unavailability of any covered product type with
performance characteristics (including reliability), features, sizes,
capacities, and volumes that are substantially the same as products
generally available in the United States at the time, it will not be
considered further.
(4) Adverse impacts on health or safety. If it is determined that a
technology would have significant adverse impacts on health or safety,
it will not be considered further.
(5) Unique-pathway proprietary technologies. If a design option
utilizes proprietary technology that represents a unique pathway to
achieving a given efficiency level, that technology will not be
considered further due to the potential for monopolistic concerns.
10 CFR part 430, subpart C, appendix A, sections 6(b)(3) and 7(b).
If DOE determines that a technology, or a combination of
technologies, fails to meet one or more of the listed five criteria, it
will be excluded from further consideration in the engineering
analysis.
See chapter 4 of the preliminary TSD for further discussion of the
screening analysis.

C. Engineering Analysis

The purpose of the engineering analysis is to establish the
relationship between the efficiency and cost of battery chargers. There
are two elements to consider in the engineering analysis; the selection
of efficiency levels to analyze (i.e., the ``efficiency analysis'') and
the determination of product cost at each efficiency level (i.e., the
``cost analysis''). In determining the performance of higher-efficiency
products, DOE considers technologies and design option combinations not
eliminated by the screening analysis. For each product 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 product 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 product.
See chapter 5 of the preliminary TSD for additional detail on the
engineering analysis.

D. 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 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 product 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
products 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.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ Because the projected price of standards-compliant products
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 battery chargers.

E. Energy Use Analysis

The purpose of the energy use analysis is to determine the annual
energy consumption of battery chargers at different efficiencies in
representative U.S. households and businesses, and to assess the energy
savings potential of increased battery charger efficiency. The energy
use analysis estimates the range of energy use of battery chargers 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 adopting amended or new
standards.
Chapter 7 of the preliminary TSD addresses the energy use analysis.

F. 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.

G. 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).\7\ DOE calculates the NES and NPV for
the potential standard levels considered based on projections of annual
product 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, product costs, and NPV of consumer benefits over the lifetime
of battery chargers sold from 2027 through 2056.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\7\ The NIA accounts for impacts in the 50 states and U.S.
territories.

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[[Page 11995]]

DOE evaluates the impacts of new or amended standards by comparing
a case without such standards with standards-case projections (``no-
new-standards case''). The no-new-standards case characterizes energy
use and consumer costs for each product 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 product 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
product with efficiencies greater than the standard.
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, product installed costs and operating
costs, product annual energy consumption, the base case efficiency
projection, and discount rates.
DOE estimates a combined total of 0.96 quads of FFC energy savings
at the max-tech efficiency levels for battery chargers. Combined FFC
energy savings at Efficiency Level 1 for all product/equipment classes
are estimated to be 0.28 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
battery chargers 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 for 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://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines">www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines</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
document, 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#175667677b7e7679747244637679737665736446627264637e7879645772723973787239707861">[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.
Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of
their interest in this document and provide a telephone number for
contact. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks before
the webinar. At its discretion, DOE may permit persons who cannot
supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those
persons have made advance alternative arrangements with the Building
Technologies Office. As necessary, requests to give an oral
presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements.

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 Preliminary Analysis.
The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE
will present a general overview of the topics addressed in this
Preliminary Analysis, allow time for prepared general statements by
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views
on issues affecting this Preliminary Analysis. 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 allows, 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 Preliminary
Analysis. 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 document. 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 battery chargers. 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

[[Page 11996]]

<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 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, 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
25, 2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-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 28, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-04495 Filed 3-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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