Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input on how it may update and improve its methodology for assessing the cost- effectiveness (which includes an energy savings assessment) of residential and commercial building energy codes. DOE is directed by statute to provide technical assistance to states to support the implementation of model building energy codes. As part of this role, DOE conducts national and state-level analysis to assess the cost- effectiveness of building energy codes and proposed changes. DOE is interested in feedback on its analysis methodology, preferred sources of cost data, and parameter assumptions surrounding its cost- effectiveness assessment. In addition, DOE is seeking information on the general costs, benefits, and economic impacts associated with building energy codes. This notice identifies several areas where interested parties may provide suggestions, comments, and other information.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of its Decision and Order in Case No. VHE-002, which grants Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. (Empire) a waiver from the existing DOE test procedure for determining the energy consumption of residential vented home heating equipment. DOE previously published the Empire Petition for Waiver and solicited comments, data, and information regarding the petition, which requested permission to use the DOE test procedure proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Direct Heating Equipment and Pool Heaters published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2013, as an alternate test procedure to account for the energy consumption of its condensing-type direct heating equipment (DHE) models. Under this Decision and Order, Empire shall be required to test and rate its condensing-type direct DHE models using the applicable provisions of the DOE test procedure final rule for DHE published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2015. Empire shall use those provisions as an alternate test procedure until July 6, 2015, the mandatory compliance date for the amended test procedure, at which point this waiver shall terminate.

The Atmosphere to Electrons (A2e) Initiative within the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy intends to hold an External Merit Review in Washington, DC, on March 31 & April 1, 2015. The External Review Panel will review the current program planning and provide suggestion on the formulation of A2e strategy, goals and implementation approaches. The review panel will also assess the initiative's potential impact on the wind power industry and identify additional research initiatives and resources that might be required in the future.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of the decision and order in Case No. RF-040 that grants to Sub-Zero Group, Inc. a waiver from the DOE electric refrigerator and refrigerator- freezer test procedures for determining the energy consumption of residential refrigerator-freezers. Sub-Zero's request pertains to the specific hybrid refrigerated ``storage-wine storage'' basic models set forth in its petition. Sub-Zero seeks permission to use an alternate test procedure to test the wine chiller compartment of these devices at 55 [deg]F instead of the prescribed temperature of 39 [deg]F. That procedure would apply a K factor (correction factor) value of 0.85 when calculating the energy consumption of a tested model and replace the energy consumption calculation. Under today's decision and order, Sub- Zero shall be required to test and rate the hybrid refrigerated ``storage-wine storage'' basic models identified in its petition using an alternate test procedure that takes the nature of these products into account when measuring energy consumption.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces receipt of the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend until November 30, 2017, DOE's information collection under control number 1910-1400 pursuant to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) seeks to develop a common definition for Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs). A broadly accepted market definition of ZEB boundaries and metrics is foundational to efforts by governments, utilities, or private entities to recognize or incentivize zero energy buildings. DOE seeks comments and information related to the zero energy definitions, nomenclature, and implementation guidelines.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input from the public on its plan to transition its stewardship of the National Training and Education Resource (NTER) in spring 2015. The information sought under this Request for Information (RFI) is intended to assist DOE in further understanding potential strategic approaches to transitioning central administration of NTER to the private sector and the impacts on users. DOE seeks input from entities interested in taking over NTER as well as from impacted parties. The information collected may be used for internal DOE planning and decision-making purposes.

As authorized in Section 654 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Department of Energy (DOE) is announcing the $1 million H2 Refuel H-Prize competition, allowing teams from across the United States to compete and develop systems that generate and dispense hydrogen from resources commonly available to residences (electricity or natural gas), for use in homes, community centers, businesses or similar locations, to supplement the current infrastructure roll-out and reduce barriers to using hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0001188 regarding feedback on the summary report for the Electrolytic Hydrogen Production Workshop held at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in February, 2014. The RFI document is posted at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to electrolytic hydrogen production pathways, specifically with respect to the Electrolytic Hydrogen Production Workshop Report. EERE is interested both in information on the current status of electrolytic hydrogen production pathways, technologies, and their potential to meet DOE cost goals as well as feedback on the content of the report, including the key R&D needs as determined by the participants. EERE is also interested in the community's opinion of the electrolysis technologies that have the most potential to produce low cost hydrogen that meets DOE goals. This is solely a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications at this time.

The Department of Energy (DOE) today gives notice of a request for information regarding the possible technical areas of research in the area of photovoltaic module recycling. DOE intends to understand the current state of recycling technology and the areas of research that could lead to impactful recycling technologies to support the developing photovoltaic industry. The intent of this RFI is to generate discussion related to planning for the end of life of photovoltaic modules and to create a list of high impact research topics in photovoltaics recycling. Details regarding the RFI and instructions for submitting responses to the RFI can be found at the following URL address: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

The Department of Energy (DOE) today invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0001203 regarding ``Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies Fiscal Year 2015.'' The RFI document is posted at https://eere- exchange.energy.gov/. EERE intends to issue, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled ``Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies Fiscal Year 2015 (AFFECT 2015).'' This RFI seeks input from interested parties and stakeholders regarding the subject of the anticipated FOA and related details. If the FOA is issued, it will likely provide grants to Federal agencies for renewable energy projects that are incorporated into a privately financed performance contract, such as an Energy Savings Performance Contract or Utility Energy Service Contract, or as part of a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Applications for renewable energy projects that are financed through appropriations will also be considered. If the FOA is issued, it will be released at some point in Fiscal Year 2015, which began October 1, 2014 and ends September 30, 2015. This is solely a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The Solar Decathlon provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter the clean energy workforce. Open to the public free of charge, the Solar Decathlon gives visitors the opportunity to tour solar-powered houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-saving features can help them save money today. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002; the competition then occurred biennially in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2011 in Washington, DC In 2013, the Solar Decathlon moved to the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California. The next Solar Decathlon will take place Oct. 8-18, 2015, at the Orange County Great Park. This RFI seeks information to inform designing, planning and implementing the next generation of the Solar Decathlon2017 and beyond.

On September 26, 2014 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice in the Federal Register regarding its determination surrounding ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013 (79 FR 57900). The original notice included an incorrect date by which states are required by statute to submit certifications. This notice contains a correction to the state certification deadline.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has determined that the 2013 edition of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES \1\ Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings would improve energy efficiency in buildings subject to the code compared to the 2010 edition of Standard 90.1. DOE has determined that buildings built to Standard 90.1-2013, as compared with buildings built to Standard 90.1- 2010, would result in national source energy savings of approximately 8.5 percent and site energy savings of approximately 7.6 percent of commercial building energy consumption. Upon publication of this affirmative determination, States are required to certify that they have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, and, as necessary, updated their codes to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2013. Additionally, this notice provides guidance to States on certifications and requests for extensions of deadlines for certification statements.

This notice announces receipt of a petition for waiver from GE Appliances (GE) seeking an exemption from specified portions of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure for determining the energy consumption of electric refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. GE seeks to use an alternate test procedure to address certain issues involved in testing certain specific basic models identified in its petition that are equipped with dual-compressor systems that GE contends cannot be accurately tested using the currently applicable DOE test procedure. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning GE's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure. Today's notice also grants GE with an interim waiver from the electric refrigerator- freezer test procedure, subject to use of the alternative test procedure set forth in this notice.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is granting a waiver extension (Case No. RF-041) to Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Systems Corporation of America (PAPRSA) to waive the requirements of the DOE electric refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer test procedures for determining the energy consumption of a specific hybrid basic model, PR5180JKBC. Under today's extension, PAPRSA shall be required to test and rate this hybrid wine chiller/beverage center basic model using an alternate test procedure that requires PAPRSA to test the wine chiller compartment at 55 [deg]F instead of the prescribed temperature of 39 [deg]F per title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) part 430, subpart B, appendix A. PAPRSA shall also use the K factor (correction factor) value of 0.85 when calculating the energy consumption.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of its decision and order (Case No. RF-038) denying Felix Storch, Inc. a waiver from the DOE electric refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer test procedures used for determining the energy consumption of residential refrigerator-freezers for the basic models set forth in its petition for waiver. The decision and order continues to require that the currently applicable DOE test procedure be used when testing the company's Keg Beer Coolers, Assisted Living Refrigerator-freezers and Ultra-Compact Hotel Refrigerators.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is announcing the availability of a Framework Document for the physical characterization of grid-connected building's end-use equipment and appliances. DOE welcomes written comments and relevant data from interested parties on any subject within the scope of this framework. A copy of the Framework Document is available at: https://www.regulations.gov/ #!documentDetail;D=EERE-2014-BT-NOA-0016-0022.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) number DE-FOA-0001165 regarding Advanced Manufacturing Office Software Tools. The RFI document is posted at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. EERE's Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) seeks information from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to market opportunities to enhance and expand upon certain AMO system software tools and related assets. At the present time these software tool resources/assets are primarily maintained and managed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office. This RFI seeks information to assist with the transition of these resources to be primarily or solely managed by a third party (or parties). AMO is particularly interested in business strategies to ensure: The resource content is maintained, improved and enhanced. The resources remain available to the industrial sector. The current and future market needs for these system assets are addressed. Adaptation to rapidly changing and progressing electronic and IT infrastructure is embraced and addressed. This is solely a request for information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), invites public comment on its Request for Information (RFI) regarding Integrated Biorefinery Lessons Learned and Best Practices. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to lessons learned and best practices developed during the design, financing, construction, commissioning, startup, shakedown and operations of pilot-, demonstration-, and commercial-scale integrated biorefineries.

The Department of Energy (DOE) invites public comment on a proposed collection of information that DOE is developing for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection of information relates to DOE's Superior Energy Performance certification program. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting comment from the public on a draft framework for the physical characterization of grid-connected commercial and residential buildings end-use equipment and appliances. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this data-gathering process, DOE will hold a public meeting for stakeholders to discuss a draft framework for physical characterization of grid- connected commercial and residential buildings end-use equipment and appliances, including but not limited to processes and metrics for measurement, identification of grid and building services that can be provided, and a process for developing an initial list of products to consider. The public meeting will also allow DOE to gather input on topics related to grid-connected equipment, allow stakeholder groups to engage, and provide an opportunity to allow interested parties to provide published work and studies related to these issues.

This document announces an extension of the time period for submitting comments on the request for information, published on April 8, 2014, regarding the physical characterization of smart and grid- connected buildings end-use equipment and appliances. The comment period is extended to Monday, June 23, 2014. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting comment and data from the public on a variety of issues related to the physical characterization of smart and grid-connected commercial and residential buildings end-use equipment and appliances; including but not limited to processes and metrics for measurement, identification of grid and building services that can be provided, and identification of values and benefits of grid connectivity. DOE also welcomes written comments from the public on any subject relevant (including topics not raised in this notice).

This notice announces a final determination by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) classifying CSA Group (CSA) as a nationally recognized certification program under 10 CFR 431.447 and 431.448.

The DOE Building Energy Codes Program will host an upcoming public meeting to provide stakeholders with an update on program direction. DOE will present an overview of current activities and program organization in support of its mission to achieve energy savings through the development and implementation of building energy codes. DOE will solicit public comment and discussion surrounding information presented.