Proposed Rule2022-04772
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fan Light Kits, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document
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Published
March 7, 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 ceiling fan light kits ("CFLKs"). 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 CFLKs. In addition, DOE encourages written comments on these subjects.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12621-12627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04772]
========================================================================
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. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2022 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 12621]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE-2019-BT-STD-0040]
RIN 1904-AE52
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Ceiling Fan Light Kits, 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 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 ceiling fan light kits (``CFLKs''). 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 CFLKs. In
addition, DOE encourages written comments on these subjects.
DATES:
Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Monday, April 11, 2022, from
2:30 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 6, 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-2019-BT-STD-0040,
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#92d1d4ded9a0a2a3abc1c6d6a2a2a6a2d2f7f7bcf6fdf7bcf5fde4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6023262c2b52505159333424505054502005054e040f054e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>. Include docket number
EERE-2019-BT-STD-0040 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 the Federal eRulemaking
Portal, email, 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?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0040">www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-STD-0040</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:
Dr. Stephanie Johnson, 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#c584b5b5a9aca4aba6a096b1a4aba1a4b7a1b694b0a0b6b1acaaabb685a0a0eba1aaa0eba2aab3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="521322223e3b333c31370126333c363320362103273721263b3d3c211237377c363d377c353d24">[email protected]</span></a>.
Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4b0a262e27222a651c23223f3f22252c0b233a652f242e652c243d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57163a323b3e3679003f3e23233e3930173f267933383279303821">[email protected]</span></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#55142525393c343b36300621343b313427312604203026213c3a3b261530307b313a307b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d392a3a3bfbab2bdb0b680a7b2bdb7b2a1b7a082a6b6a0a7babcbda093b6b6fdb7bcb6fdb4bca5">[email protected]</span></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. Energy Use Analysis
E. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses
F. 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
[[Page 12622]]
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other
Than Automobiles. These products include ceiling fan light kits
(``CFLKs''), the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6291(50), 42
U.S.C. 6293(16)(A)(ii), 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(2)-(5)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,
Public Law 117-58 (Nov. 15, 2021).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPCA prescribed energy conservation standards for these products.
(42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) 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 CFLKs. 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)) Furthermore, DOE may not adopt any standard that would
not result in the significant conservation of energy. (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 0.23 quads of FFC
energy savings at the max-tech efficiency levels for CFLKs. This
represents 22.7 percent energy savings relative to the no-new-standards
case energy consumption for CFLKs. 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.
<bullet> Life-Cycle Cost
Subgroup Analysis.
<bullet> Shipments Analysis.
[[Page 12623]]
2. Lifetime operating cost savings <bullet> Product Price
compared to increased cost for the 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 <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.\4\
<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))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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,
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 published a final rule amending test procedures
for CFLKs on December 24, 2015. 80 FR 80209 (``December 2015 Final
Rule''). In the December 2015 Final Rule, DOE specified that CFLKs do
not consume power in off mode. Further, the December 2015 Final Rule
stated that the energy use in standby mode is attributable to the
ceiling fan to which the CFLK is attached and accounted for in the
ceiling fan efficiency metric. 80 FR 80209, 80220. Therefore, DOE's
test procedures and standards for CFLKs address energy consumption only
in active mode, as do the considered standards in this preliminary
analysis.
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
[[Page 12624]]
preliminary analysis, DOE issued an early assessment request for
information (``RFI'') in which DOE requested comment on whether the
methodologies, assumptions, and data used in the most recent energy
conservation standards rulemaking \5\ (the ``January 2016 Final Rule'')
remained appropriate. 86 FR 29954, 29954-29962 (June 4, 2021) (the
``June 2021 RFI''). While DOE received comments on several areas of
analyses including technology options, product classes, efficiency
levels, market trends, and energy use analysis, DOE did not receive
comments or data suggesting DOE rely on a different analytical
framework to that conducted for the January 2016 Final Rule. As DOE is
intending 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 early assessment RFI and on which comment
was received. As such, DOE is not publishing a framework document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ See 81 FR 580 (January 6, 2016).
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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. For this
preliminary analysis, DOE has relied on substantively the same
analytical framework as used in the previous rulemaking and DOE did not
receive comments in response to the June 2021 RFI suggesting a change
to DOE's approach. Given that DOE is relying on substantively the same
analytical approach as conducted for the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE
has determined that a 60-day comment period in conjunction with the
June 2021 RFI provides sufficient time for interested parties to review
the tentative methodologies and the preliminary analysis, and develop
comments.
II. Background
A. Current Standards
In the January 2016 Final Rule, DOE prescribed the current energy
conservation standards for CFLKs manufactured on and after January 7,
2019. 81 FR 580. Subsequently, DOE published a final rule that changed
the compliance date from January 7, 2019 to January 21, 2020 to comply
with Public Law 115-161, ``Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation
Harmonization Act'' (the ``Act''), which was signed into law on April
3, 2018. 83 FR 22587 (May 16, 2018). The Act amended the compliance
date for the CFLK standards to establish a single compliance date for
the energy conservation standards for both CFLKs and ceiling fans. Id.
These standards are set forth in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR
430.32(s)(6) and are repeated in Table II.1 and Table II.2.
Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for CFLKs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lamp Minimum efficacy
lumens ------------------------
Product type -----------
(lumens) (lm/W)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All CFLKs........................... <120 50.
>=120 74.0-29.
42*0.9983.\lumens\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ceiling fan light kits with medium screw base sockets (``MSB'')
manufactured on or after January 21, 2020 and packaged with compact
fluorescent lamps must include lamps that also meet the requirements in
Table II.2 of this document. (10 CFR 430.32(s)(6)(i)) Ceiling fan light
kits with pin based sockets for fluorescent lamps, manufactured on or
after January 21, 2020, must use an electronic ballast. (10 CFR
430.32(s)(6)(ii)).
Table II.2--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for CFLKs With MSB
Sockets packaged with CFLs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lumen Maintenance at 1,000 hours.. >=90.0%.
Lumen Maintenance at 40 Percent of >=80.0%.
Lifetime.
Rapid Cycle Stress Test........... Each lamp must be cycled once for
every 2 hours of lifetime of
compact fluorescent lamp as defined
in Sec. 430.2. At least 5 lamps
must meet or exceed the minimum
number of cycles.
Lifetime.......................... >=6,000 hours for the sample of
lamps.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Current Process
As noted in section I.C, on June 4, 2021, DOE published the June
2021 RFI, a notification 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 CFLKs and a request for information. 86 FR
29954. Specifically, through the published notice and request for
information, 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 products covered in this preliminary analysis, DOE
conducted in-depth technical analyses in the following areas: (1)
Engineering; (2) consumer 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://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=10">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=10</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.
[[Page 12625]]
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.
(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 CFLKs. 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 consumer price 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). In this preliminary analysis,
DOE derives efficiency levels in the engineering analysis and
associated consumer prices in the cost analysis. DOE estimates the
consumer price of the light source packaged with the CFLK directly
because reverse-engineering a light source is impractical as the light
source is not easily disassembled. By combining the results of the
engineering analysis and the cost analysis, DOE derives typical inputs
for use in LCC and NIA.
See Chapter 5 of the preliminary TSD for additional detail on the
engineering analysis.
D. Energy Use Analysis
The purpose of the energy use analysis is to determine the annual
energy consumption of CFLKs at different efficiencies in representative
U.S. single-family homes, multi-family residences, and commercial
buildings, and to assess the energy savings potential of increased CFLK
efficiency. The energy use analysis estimates the range of energy use
of CFLKs 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 6 of the preliminary TSD addresses the energy use analysis.
E. 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 7 of the preliminary TSD addresses the LCC and PBP
analyses.
F. 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).\6\ 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
[[Page 12626]]
over the lifetime of CFLKs sold from 2027 through 2056.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ 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 with standards-case projections (``no-
new-standards case''). The no-new-standards case characterizes energy
use and consumer costs for CFLKs 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
products with efficiencies greater than the standard.
DOE uses a software package written in the Python programming
language to calculate the energy savings and the national consumer
costs and savings at each standard level and in the no-new-standards
case. The NIA model uses average 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 no-
standards-case efficiency projection, and discount rates.
DOE estimates a combined total of 0.083 quads of site energy
savings at the max- tech efficiency levels for CFLKs. Combined site
energy savings at CSL 1 for All CFLKs are estimated to be 0.003 quads.
Chapter 9 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
CFLKs 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://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=10">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=10</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#430233332f2a222d20261037222d272231273012362630372a2c2d300326266d272c266d242c35"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89c8f9f9e5e0e8e7eaecdafde8e7ede8fbedfad8fcecfafde0e6e7fac9ececa7ede6eca7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></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.
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 meeting
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 a general overview of the topics addressed in this
document, allow time for prepared general statements by participants,
and encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues
affecting this document. 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 document. The
official conducting the webinar meeting 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 meeting 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 6, 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 CFLKs. 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
[[Page 12627]]
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 March 1,
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 March 2, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-04772 Filed 3-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 7, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.