Home/Federal/Federal Register/2026-11971

Proposed Rule2026-11971

Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers

Primary source

Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.

Published

June 15, 2026

Issuing agencies

Energy Department

Abstract

A Presidential determination issued on April 20, 2026, found that grid infrastructure supply chains, including distribution transformers and electrical core steel, are essential to national defense, and that U.S. industry faces critical constraints from limited domestic product capacity, extended procurement timelines, and foreign supply dependence. The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") is initiating an information and data gathering effort to understand how the energy conservation standards for distribution transformers adopted in an April 2024 final rule, with compliance required in 2029, interact with these national security considerations, including impacts on domestic manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and the availability and cost of key materials. DOE is also seeking information on whether the revised energy conservation standards result in special hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens, including investment needs and market conditions associated with redesigning equipment to comply by the 2029 compliance date.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 114 (Monday, June 15, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 114 (Monday, June 15, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35903-35907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11971]

========================================================================
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. 91, No. 114 / Monday, June 15, 2026 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 35903]]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2026-BT-STD-0133]

Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Distribution Transformers

AGENCY: Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Department of Energy.

ACTION: Request for information.

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

SUMMARY: A Presidential determination issued on April 20, 2026, found
that grid infrastructure supply chains, including distribution
transformers and electrical core steel, are essential to national
defense, and that U.S. industry faces critical constraints from limited
domestic product capacity, extended procurement timelines, and foreign
supply dependence. The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is
initiating an information and data gathering effort to understand how
the energy conservation standards for distribution transformers adopted
in an April 2024 final rule, with compliance required in 2029, interact
with these national security considerations, including impacts on
domestic manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and the
availability and cost of key materials. DOE is also seeking information
on whether the revised energy conservation standards result in special
hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens, including
investment needs and market conditions associated with redesigning
equipment to comply by the 2029 compliance date.

DATES: Written comments, data, and information are requested and will
be accepted on or before July 15, 2026.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> under docket
number EERE-2026-BT-STD-0133. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments may
submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2026-BT-STD-0133 by
any of the following methods:
(1) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#06426f7572746f6473726f696852746768756069746b63747534363430555242363735354662696328616970">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Include the
docket number EERE-2026-BT-STD-0133 in the subject line of the message.
Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or
ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form
of encryption.
(2) Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
(3) Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office,
Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a
CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section III of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, 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-2026-BT-STD-0133">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2026-BT-STD-0133</a>. The docket web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. See
section III of this document for information on how to submit comments
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, Building
Technologies Office, CM-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d293a2a2bebbb3bcb1b781a6b3bcb6b3a0b6a183a7b7a1a6bbbdbca192b7b7fcb6bdb7fcb5bda4">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Peter Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-4798. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ff8f9a8b9a8dd19c909c978d9e91bf978ed19b909ad1989089">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
For further information on how to submit a comment, or 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#7f3e0f0f13161e111c1a2c0b1e111b1e0d1b0c2e0a1a0c0b1610110c3f1a1a511b101a51181009">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Scope and History of Rulemakings for Distribution
Transformers
C. Presidential Determination
II. Request for Information and Comments
III. Submission of Comments
IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Introduction

The following section briefly discusses the background underlying
this request for information (``RFI'') concerning the effect of Federal
energy conservation standards on the distribution transformers market.

A. Authority

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (``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, as codified)
Title III, Part C of EPCA \2\ added by Public Law 95-619, Title IV,
section 441(a), established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain
Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed
to improve energy efficiency. (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317) The Energy Policy
Act of 1992, Public Law 102-486, amended EPCA and directed DOE to
prescribe energy conservation standards for those distribution
transformers for which DOE determined such standards

[[Page 35904]]

would be technologically feasible, economically justified, and would
result in significant energy savings. (42 U.S.C. 6317(a)) The Energy
Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, amended EPCA to establish energy
conservation standards for low-voltage dry-type (``LVDT'') distribution
transformers. (42 U.S.C. 6295(y))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act, Public Law 94-163 as amended through
the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 27, 2020), which
reflect the last statutory amendments that impact Parts A and A-1 of
EPCA.
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

EPCA further provides that, not later than six years after the
issuance of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, 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. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1))

B. Scope and History of Rulemakings for Distribution Transformers

This RFI relates to distribution transformers as defined in 10 CFR
431.192.\3\ DOE prescribed the currently applicable energy conservation
standards for distribution transformers manufactured on or after
January 1, 2016, in a final rule published on April 18, 2013. 78 FR
23336 (``April 2013 Final Rule''). DOE published a final rule on April
22, 2024, that adopted amended energy conservation standards for
distribution transformers manufactured on or after April 23, 2029. 89
FR 29834 (``April 2024 Final Rule'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ Distribution transformer means a transformer that--(1) Has
an input line voltage of 34.5 kV or less; (2) Has an output line
voltage of 600 V or less; (3) Is rated for operation at a frequency
of 60 Hz; and (4) Has a capacity of 10 kVA to 5000 kVA for liquid-
immersed units and 15 kVA to 5000 kVA for dry-type units; but (5)
The term ``distribution transformer'' does not include a transformer
that is an--(i) Autotransformer; (ii) Drive (isolation) transformer;
(iii) Grounding transformer; (iv) Machine-tool (control)
transformer; (v) Nonventilated transformer; (vi) Rectifier
transformer; (vii) Regulating transformer; (viii) Sealed
transformer; (ix) Special-impedance transformer; (x) Testing
transformer; (xi) Transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more;
(xii) Uninterruptible power supply transformer; or (xiii) Welding
transformer. 10 CFR 431.192.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Presidential Determination

On April 20, 2026, President Trump issued Presidential
Determination No. 2026-10, pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense
Production Act of 1950, as amended (``DPA'') (50 U.S.C. 4533), that
found that grid infrastructure and its associated upstream supply
chains, including transformers, transmission lines and conductors,
substations, high-voltage circuit breakers, power control electronics,
protective relay systems, capacitor banks, electrical core steel, and
related raw material and manufacturing tools, are industrial resources,
materials, or critical technology items essential to national defense.
Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 of April 20, 2026, Presidential
Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of
1950, as Amended, on Grid Infrastructure, Equipment, and Supply Chain
Capacity, 91 FR 21931 (Apr. 23, 2026) (``Presidential Determination'').
The Presidential Determination, consistent with Executive Order 14156
of January 20, 2025, Declaring a National Energy Emergency,\4\ also
found that without Presidential action, U.S. industry cannot reasonably
be expected to provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to
limited domestic production capacity, extended procurement timelines,
foreign supply dependence, and insufficient capital investment. Also,
the Presidential Determination found that purchases, purchase
commitments, financial support for the development of production
capabilities, or other action pursuant to Section 303 of the DPA are
the most cost-effective, expedient, and practical alternative methods
for meeting this need.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ 90 FR 8433 (Jan. 29, 2025) (``E.O. 14156'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Presidential Determination directed the Secretary of Energy to
implement the determination, including making necessary purchases,
commitments, and financial instruments, to expand domestic capability
to develop, manufacture, and deploy grid infrastructure and supporting
industrial supply chains. Transformers and electrical core steel are
expressly identified as covered industrial resources under that
determination.
These national security findings are directly relevant to DOE's
administration of energy conservation standards for distribution
transformers, adopted in the April 2024 Final Rule. For certain
equipment classes, DOE estimated that compliance with the adopted
efficiency levels would be met by transitioning to amorphous-core
transformer designs, which rely on material and manufacturing processes
distinct from those used for grain-oriented electrical steel (``GOES'')
core transformers that constitute the majority of current market
production. 78 FR 29834, 30011.

II. Request for Information and Comments

In this RFI, DOE seeks data and information relevant to
understanding how the energy conservation standards for distribution
transformers adopted in the April 2024 Final Rule interact with U.S.
domestic manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and the
National defense considerations identified in the Presidential
Determination. DOE also seeks suggestions on what actions it could take
to implement the Presidential Determination and what actions it could
take to expand domestic capability to develop, manufacture, and deploy
more distribution transformers in the near term to meet the nation's
energy demand to ensure United States defense readiness, economic
strength, and energy independence.
Additionally, DOE also requests information on whether the
standards adopted in the April 2024 Final Rule result in special
hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens to manufacturers,
utilities, consumers, or other end-users.
Where possible, DOE requests and encourages that respondents
provide quantitative estimates and describe the assumptions.
Information on how to submit comments, data, and other information,
including Confidential Business Information (CBI), is provided in
section III of this document.
In this section, DOE identifies specific issues for which it seeks
comment, data, and other information.
Issue 1: DOE requests information regarding whether, and how, the
national security considerations identified in the Presidential
Determination--including limited domestic production capacity, foreign
supply dependence and extended procurement timelines--are impacted by
the April 2024 Final Rule. Specifically, DOE seeks information on (a)
whether compliance with the adopted standards would require or increase
reliance on foreign-sourced amorphous steel or other materials or
components that raise national security concerns; (b) whether the
adopted standards could reduce domestic production capacity for raw
GOES, GOES cores, or GOES-core transformers, and if so, what effects
that reduction would have on the resilience of U.S. grid infrastructure
supply chains; and (c) any other interactions between the adopted
standards and the national defense findings in the Presidential
Determination that DOE should consider.
Issue 2: In the April 2024 Final Rule, DOE acknowledged ongoing
supply chain challenges associated with distribution transformers
(e.g., a single domestic manufacturer of GOES and a single domestic
manufacturer of amorphous alloy, trade uncertainties, limited capacity
of lower-loss GOES, limited global capacity of amorphous

[[Page 35905]]

alloy, labor shortages) and the broader electric grid (e.g.,
substantial load growth increasing demand for all grid components,
increasing product lead times). 89 FR 29834, 29866. DOE requests
information regarding whether, and for whom, the adopted standards may
result in special hardship, inequity, or an unfair distribution of
burdens (e.g., manufacturers, utilities or cooperatives, particular
regions, or consumers of particular transformer types and sizes). DOE
specifically requests information on whether smaller or resource-
constrained entities would face greater compliance challenges,
including due to scale economies, input access, or financing
constraints, and whether such impacts vary systematically by firm size
or operational scale. DOE requests information on the mechanisms
driving such impacts (including material availability, production
constraints, and procurement practices) and any potential flexibilities
or alternative approaches that DOE should consider, consistent with
applicable laws (such as EPCA, DPA, and other relevant authorities
related to trade, taxation, and financing), to address demonstrated
impacts--especially those to smaller entities. DOE also requests data
regarding impacts on end users, including any changes in equipment
costs, installation costs, procurement lead times, and reliability or
service outcomes that could affect ratepayers or other customers.
Issue 3: DOE requests information and data regarding investments to
develop, manufacture, and deploy more distribution transformers made
since publication of the April 2024 Final Rule (e.g., general or
specific sunk costs such as capital equipment purchases, facility
expansions, workforce changes, equipment redesign activities, and
supplier development). DOE requests that, to the extent practicable,
respondents distinguish between investments made primarily to meet the
adopted energy conservation standards and investments made primarily to
expand production capacity or otherwise respond to broader grid-driven
demand growth.
Issue 4: DOE emphasized in the April 2024 Final Rule that
distribution transformers are critical grid infrastructure and that
maintaining and strengthening national manufacturing capacity,
including for key inputs such as electrical steel, is an important
consideration as the U.S. works to expand and modernize the electric
grid. DOE requests information regarding how the distribution
transformer supply chain (including lead times, order backlogs,
inventory practices, supplier qualification timelines, and the
availability and cost of key components and materials) has been
affected and is anticipated to be affected since publication of the
April 2024 Final Rule. DOE requests that, to the extent practicable,
respondents distinguish between any expected impacts resulting from the
standards promulgated by the April 2024 Final Rule (e.g., challenges
with sourcing certain low-loss GOES, challenges with sourcing amorphous
alloy, any stranded assets based on the April 2024 Final Rule, any
labor challenges based on the April 2024 Final Rule) versus other
factors contributing to the current supply chain shortages experienced
by the distribution transformer market (e.g., broader demand growth
driven by electrification, data centers, etc.).
Issue 5: DOE requests information on the conditions under which the
distribution transformer, electrical steel, or related components
industry could expand production capacity to meet current and projected
demand. Specifically, DOE seeks information on the regulatory certainty
and the extent to which the current or anticipated regulatory
requirements affect investment planning, capital allocation, and the
willingness of firms to expand production capacity; lead times for
capacity expansion including typical lead times to increase production
capacity for distribution transformers and key inputs; the primary
drivers of lead time for capacity expansion (e.g., capital equipment
procurement, facility construction, workforce development, etc.);
constraints on expansion including any key bottlenecks that limit the
ability to expand production; investment conditions including the
specific market conditions, transformer prices, contract structures,
demand visibility, and risk-sharing that allow for distribution
transformer expansion; and the relative competitiveness of domestic
manufacturing as compared to imported transformers or transformer
components and how that influences investment decisions.
Issue 6: DOE requests information on the price levels or market
conditions under which expanding domestic production of distribution
transformers and key inputs becomes an economically viable investment.
DOE also seeks information on how those conditions compare to the
price, availability, and delivery timelines of imported transformers or
transformer components serving the U.S. market, including the extent to
which imports influence investment decisions. DOE also requests
responses regarding the driving factors for transformer investment
decisions including the relative importance of current spot prices,
demand projections, and the presence of long-term purchasing contracts.
Issue 7: DOE requests information regarding any changes since
publication of the April 2024 Final Rule to domestic production of
distribution transformers or related components serving the U.S.
market. DOE also requests information on changes in sourcing practices,
including increased importation of completed transformers or
subassemblies (e.g., cores, core/coil assemblies, windings, tanks, or
other components) and any changes in the location of final assembly.
Where possible, DOE requests and encourages that respondents provide
quantitative estimates and describe the assumptions.
Issue 8: DOE requests information regarding any changes to the
price, quality, specifications, and available capacity of GOES serving
the U.S. distribution transformer market, including any changes in the
percentage of domestically produced GOES used in U.S.-sold distribution
transformers. DOE also requests data on how domestically produced GOES
supply compares with global GOES supply with respect to price, quality,
available capacity, specifications, and delivery timelines. DOE
requests data on how the price, quality, specification, capacity and
suppliers of GOES vary between markets (e.g., the liquid-immersed
distribution transformer market, low-voltage dry-type distribution
transformer market, medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformer
market, large-power transformer market). Where possible, DOE requests
and encourages that respondents provide quantitative estimates and
describe the assumptions.
Issue 9: DOE requests information regarding any changes to the
price, quality, specifications, qualification timelines, and available
capacity of amorphous alloy serving the U.S. distribution transformer
market, including any changes in the percentage of domestically
produced amorphous alloy used in U.S.-sold distribution transformers.
DOE also requests data on how domestically produced amorphous steel
supply compares with global supply with respect to price, quality,
capacity, delivery timelines, and contracting practices. Where
possible, DOE requests and encourages that respondents provide
quantitative estimates and describe the assumptions.
Issue 10: DOE requests information regarding the availability, lead
times, and constraints associated with

[[Page 35906]]

manufacturing distribution transformer cores (including core cutting,
winding, stacking, annealing, and related equipment), and the extent to
which core manufacturing capacity (domestic and global) may limit the
ability of manufacturers to meet the adopted standards. DOE requests
data regarding any differences in core sourcing practices between
distribution transformer cores made of GOES versus amorphous alloy as
well as between markets (e.g., the liquid-immersed distribution
transformer market, low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer
market, medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformer market, large-
power transformer market).
Issue 11: DOE requests information on domestic-content
considerations for distribution transformers and key inputs (including
GOES and amorphous alloy). DOE requests data on any major supply chain
risks, the feasibility of increasing domestic content over time, and
any barriers to doing so (e.g., certification requirements, supplier
qualification, metallurgical specifications, or trade and logistics
constraints).
Issue 12: DOE requests information regarding the extent to which
amorphous alloy use is expected to be ``additive'' to existing GOES
distribution transformer production (i.e., added for certain basic
models while most production continues to use GOES) versus requiring
conversion or replacement of existing GOES distribution transformer
production equipment. DOE requests information on expected ramp rates,
equipment needs, and any constraints on scaling amorphous-core
distribution transformer production over the compliance period.
Issue 13: DOE requests information regarding how private sector
distribution transformer investments (including investments driven by
the adopted standards) complement (i.e., new facilities that
manufacture distribution transformers along with multiple grid
components and share resources), compete with (i.e., investments made
in meeting efficiency standards that otherwise would be made in
expanding capacity of other grid components), or displace other grid-
related investments (including other transformers, transmission lines
and conductors, substations, high-voltage circuit breakers, power
control electronics, protective relay systems, capacitor banks,
electrical core steel, and related raw material and manufacturing
tools). DOE requests information and data on shared constraints (e.g.,
skilled labor, electrical steel and other magnetic materials, and
capital equipment) and whether these constraints affect investment
timing or prioritization.
Issue 14: In light of the Presidential Determination and the
findings that grid-infrastructure supply chains are essential to
national defense, DOE requests information regarding the defense-
readiness, economic strength, and energy independence implications of
the standards adopted in the April 2024 Final Rule, including in
relation to Federal purchase commitments and financial support actions
under Section 303 of the DPA. Specifically, DOE requests information on
whether the adopted standards could reduce the ability of the U.S.
transformer industry to surge production in response to a national
emergency, natural disaster, or other disruption requiring rapid grid
restoration; the extent to which compliance with the adopted standards
would increase U.S. reliance on foreign sources; whether compliance
would affect the domestic electrical steel industry's production
volumes, pricing, and long-term viability in ways that could impair
national defense readiness; and any recommendations for how DOE could
structure regulatory flexibilities, in accordance with applicable law,
to support the national defense priorities identified in the
Presidential Determination.
Issue 15: DOE requests information regarding how the interaction
between the April 2024 Final Rule and the national defense
considerations identified in the Presidential Determination--including
Federal purchase commitments, financial support actions under Section
303 of the DPA, and priority-rated orders under the DPA \5\--affects
smaller utility purchasers of distribution transformers, including
rural electric cooperatives, municipal and public power utilities, and
small investor-owned utilities not on critical project tracks.
Specifically, DOE seeks information on changes in procurement lead
times and order priority experienced by such purchasers, including any
existing evidence of displacement in manufacturer order queues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ The use of priority ratings for grid infrastructure
components, including distribution transformers, may affect
production scheduling and order fulfillment during periods of
constrained manufacturing capacity, particularly for lower priority
customers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issue 16: DOE requests information regarding price effects and
changes in contract terms offered to the smaller utility purchasers,
including minimum order quantities, no-substitute or specification-
substitution clauses, payment and deposit terms, escalation provisions,
and the availability of multi-year framework agreements since
publication of the April 2024 Final Rule. Where possible, DOE requests
and encourages that respondents provide quantitative estimates and
describe the assumptions.
Issue 17: DOE also seeks suggestions on what actions are needed,
consistent with applicable law, to implement the Presidential
Determination and what actions are needed in the near term to expand
domestic capability to develop, manufacture, and deploy more
distribution transformers to meet the nation's energy demand to ensure
United States defense readiness, economic strength, and energy
independence.

III. Submission of Responses

DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
specified in the DATES section of this document, information on matters
addressed in this document and on other matters relevant to
distribution transformers.
Submitting responses via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> web page requires you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies Office 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 response is not processed properly because of technical
difficulties, DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE
cannot read your response due to technical difficulties and cannot
contact you for clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your
response.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the response or in any documents attached to your
response. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable
should not be included in your response, nor in any document attached
to your response. If this instruction is followed, persons viewing
responses will see only first and last names, organization names,
correspondence containing information, and any documents submitted with
the responses.
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'')). Responses submitted
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> cannot be claimed

[[Page 35907]]

as CBI. Responses 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, responses will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of responses are being processed
simultaneously, your response may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the tracking number that <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>
provides after you have successfully uploaded your response.
Submitting responses via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal
mail. Responses and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or postal mail 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 response or any accompanying
documents. Instead, provide your contact information on 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 information responsive to
the request for information.
Include contact information each time you submit data, documents,
and other information to DOE. If you submit via postal mail or hand
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible, in
which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. No faxes will
be accepted.
Data, and other information submitted to DOE electronically should
be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect,
or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that are not secured,
written in English and 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 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. Persons seeking to submit
confidential information through alternative means are encouraged to
contact DOE for additional guidance.
It is DOE's policy that all responses may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the responses (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing energy conservation standards. DOE actively
encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the
comment period in this process. Interactions with and between members
of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist
DOE. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive
future notices and information about this process or would like to
request a public meeting should contact Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ecad9c9c80858d828f89bf988d82888d9e889fbd99899f988583829fac8989c2888389c28b839a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this request
for information.

Signing Authority

This document of the Department of Energy was signed on June 10,
2026, by Audrey Robertson, Assistant Secretary (EERE) for Critical
Minerals and Energy Innovation, 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 June 11, 2026.
Jennifer Hartzell,
Alternate Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2026-11971 Filed 6-12-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>

View on FederalRegister.gov →Plain-text source

Indexed from Federal Register on June 15, 2026.

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.