Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to LG From the Department of Energy Residential Clothes Washer Test Procedure, 11233-11236 [2011-4486]
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11233
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 40 / Tuesday, March 1, 2011 / Notices
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES—Continued
Container volume
cu. ft. ≥ <
Minimum load
liter ≥ <
1.80–1.90
1.90–2.00
2.00–2.10
2.10–2.20
2.20–2.30
2.30–2.40
2.40–2.50
2.50–2.60
2.60–2.70
2.70–2.80
2.80–2.90
2.90–3.00
3.00–3.10
3.10–3.20
3.20–3.30
3.30–3.40
3.40–3.50
3.50–3.60
3.60–3.70
3.70–3.80
3.80–3.90
3.90–4.00
4.00–4.10
4.10–4.20
4.20–4.30
4.30–4.40
4.40–4.50
4.50–4.60
4.60–4.70
4.70–4.80
4.80–4.90
4.90–5.00
5.00–5.10
5.10–5.20
5.20–5.30
5.30–5.40
5.40–5.50
5.50–5.60
5.60–5.70
5.70–5.80
5.80–5.90
5.90–6.00
lb
51.0–53.8
53.8–56.6
56.6–59.5
59.5–62.3
62.3–65.1
65.1–68.0
68.0–70.8
70.8–73.6
73.6–76.5
76.5–79.3
79.3–82.1
82.1–85.0
85.0–87.8
87.8–90.6
90.6–93.4
93.4–96.3
96.3–99.1
99.1–101.9
101.9–104.8
104.8–107.6
107.6–110.4
110.4–113.3
113.3–116.1
116.1–118.9
118.9–121.8
121.8–124.6
124.6–127.4
127.4–130.3
130.3–133.1
133.1–135.9
135.9–138.8
138.8–141.6
141.6–144.4
144.4–147.2
147.2–150.1
150.1–152.9
152.9–155.7
155.7–158.6
158.6–161.4
161.4–164.2
164.2–167.1
167.1–169.9
Maximum load
kg
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
lb
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
Average load
kg
7.60
8.00
8.40
8.80
9.20
9.60
10.00
10.50
10.90
11.30
11.70
12.10
12.50
12.90
13.30
13.70
14.10
14.60
15.00
15.40
15.80
16.20
16.60
17.00
17.40
17.80
18.20
18.70
19.10
19.50
19.90
20.30
20.70
21.10
21.50
21.90
22.30
22.80
23.20
23.60
24.00
24.40
lb
3.45
3.63
3.81
3.99
4.17
4.35
4.54
4.76
4.94
5.13
5.31
5.49
5.67
5.85
6.03
6.21
6.40
6.62
6.80
6.99
7.16
7.34
7.53
7.72
7.90
8.09
8.27
8.46
8.65
8.83
9.02
9.20
9.39
9.58
9.76
9.95
10.13
10.32
10.51
10.69
10.88
11.06
kg
5.30
5.50
5.70
5.90
6.10
6.30
6.50
6.75
6.95
7.15
7.35
7.55
7.75
7.95
8.15
8.35
8.55
8.80
9.00
9.20
9.40
9.60
9.80
10.00
10.20
10.40
10.60
10.80
11.00
11.20
11.40
11.60
11.90
12.10
12.30
12.50
12.70
12.90
13.10
13.30
13.50
13.70
2.40
2.49
2.59
2.68
2.77
2.86
2.95
3.06
3.15
3.24
3.33
3.42
3.52
3.61
3.70
3.79
3.88
3.99
4.08
4.17
4.26
4.35
4.45
4.54
4.63
4.72
4.82
4.91
5.00
5.10
5.19
5.28
5.38
5.47
5.56
5.65
5.75
5.84
5.93
6.03
6.12
6.21
Notes:
(1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are ± 0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
[Case No. CW–016]
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products: Decision and
Order Granting a Waiver to LG From
the Department of Energy Residential
Clothes Washer Test Procedure
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Decision and Order.
AGENCY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:42 Feb 28, 2011
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The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) gives notice of the
decision and order (Case No. CW–016)
that grants to LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.
(LG) a waiver from the DOE clothes
washer test procedure for determining
the energy consumption of clothes
washers. Under today’s decision and
order, LG shall be required to test and
rate its clothes washers with larger
clothes containers using an alternate test
procedure that takes the larger
capacities into account when measuring
energy consumption.
DATES: This Decision and Order is
effective March 1, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Michael G. Raymond, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–
SUMMARY:
[FR Doc. 2011–4485 Filed 2–28–11; 8:45 am]
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2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–9611, E-mail:
mail to: Michael.Raymond@
ee.doe.gov.
Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–71, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–
0103. Telephone: (202) 287–6111,
E-mail: mail to: Jennifer.Tiedeman@
hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR 430.27(l)),
DOE gives notice of the issuance of its
decision and order as set forth below.
The decision and order grants LG a
waiver from the applicable clothes
washer test procedure in 10 CFR part
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 40 / Tuesday, March 1, 2011 / Notices
430, subpart B, appendix J1 for certain
basic models of clothes washers with
capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet,
provided that LG tests and rates such
products using the alternate test
procedure described in this notice.
Today’s decision prohibits LG from
making representations concerning the
energy efficiency of these products
unless the product has been tested
consistent with the provisions of the
alternate test procedure set forth in the
decision and order below, and the
representations fairly disclose the test
results. Distributors, retailers, and
private labelers are held to the same
standard when making representations
regarding the energy efficiency of these
products. 42 U.S.C. 6293(c).
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 23,
2011.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics
U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW–016)
I. Background and Authority
Title III, Part B of the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA),
Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
6309, as codified) established the
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products Other Than
Automobiles, a program covering most
major household appliances, which
includes the residential clothes washers
that are the focus of this notice.1 Part B
includes definitions, test procedures,
labeling provisions, energy conservation
standards, and the authority to require
information and reports from
manufacturers. Further, Part B
authorizes the Secretary of Energy to
prescribe test procedures that are
reasonably designed to produce results
which measure energy efficiency,
energy use, or estimated operating costs,
and that are not unduly burdensome to
conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) The test
procedure for automatic and semiautomatic clothes washers is contained
in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix
J1.
DOE’s regulations for covered
products contain provisions allowing a
person to seek a waiver for a particular
basic model from the test procedure
requirements for covered consumer
products when (1) the petitioner’s basic
model for which the petition for waiver
was submitted contains one or more
design characteristics that prevent
testing according to the prescribed test
1 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:42 Feb 28, 2011
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procedure, or (2) when prescribed test
procedures may evaluate the basic
model in a manner so unrepresentative
of its true energy consumption
characteristics as to provide materially
inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR
430.27(a)(1). Petitioners must include in
their petition any alternate test
procedures known to the petitioner to
evaluate the basic model in a manner
representative of its energy
consumption characteristics. 10 CFR
430.27(b)(1)(iii).
The Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy (the
Assistant Secretary) may grant a waiver
subject to conditions, including
adherence to alternate test procedures.
10 CFR 430.27(l). Waivers remain in
effect pursuant to the provisions of 10
CFR 430.27(m).
Any interested person who has
submitted a petition for waiver may also
file an application for interim waiver of
the applicable test procedure
requirements. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(2). The
Assistant Secretary will grant an interim
waiver request if it is determined that
the applicant will experience economic
hardship if the interim waiver is denied,
if it appears likely that the petition for
waiver will be granted, and/or the
Assistant Secretary determines that it
would be desirable for public policy
reasons to grant immediate relief
pending a determination on the petition
for waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(g).
On December 23, 2010, DOE issued
enforcement guidance on the
application of recently granted waivers
for large-capacity clothes washers and
announced steps to improve the waiver
process and refrain from certain
enforcement actions. This guidance can
be found on DOE’s Web site at https://
www.gc.energy.gov/1661.htm.
II. LG’s Petition for Waiver: Assertions
and Determinations
On September 24, 2010, LG filed a
petition for waiver from the test
procedure applicable to automatic and
semi-automatic clothes washers set forth
in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix
J1. In particular, LG requested a waiver
to test its clothes washers on the basis
of the test procedure contained in 10
CFR part 430, Subpart B, Appendix J1,
with a revised Table 5.1 extended to
larger container volumes. LG’s petition
was published in the Federal Register
on November 24, 2010. 75 FR 71680.
There was one comment on the LG
petition, from Whirlpool Corporation.
Whirlpool urged that DOE process the
LG waiver expeditiously, so that clothes
washers with larger clothes containers
can be tested and rated on a comparable
basis.
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LG’s petition seeks a waiver from the
DOE test procedure because the mass of
the test load used in the procedure,
which is based on the basket volume of
the test unit, is currently not defined for
basket sizes greater than 3.8 cubic feet.
LG manufactures basic models with
capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet,
and it is for these basic models that LG
seeks a waiver from DOE’s test
procedure. In addition, if the current
maximum test load mass is used to test
these products, the tested energy use
would be less than the actual energy
usage, and could evaluate the basic
model in a manner so unrepresentative
of its true energy consumption
characteristics as to provide materially
inaccurate comparative data.
Table 5.1 of Appendix J1 defines the
test load sizes used in the test procedure
as linear functions of the basket volume.
LG has submitted a proposed revised
table to extend the maximum basket
volume from 3.8 cubic feet to 5.1 cubic
feet, a table similar to one developed by
the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers (AHAM) and provided to
DOE in comments on a recently
published proposed DOE residential
clothes washer test procedure Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). 75 FR
57556 (September 21, 2010). When this
rulemaking process is complete, any
amended test procedure will supersede
the alternate test procedure approved in
this waiver. AHAM provided
calculations to extrapolate Table 5.1 of
the current DOE test procedure to larger
container volumes. DOE believes that
this is a reasonable procedure because
the DOE test procedure defines test load
sizes as linear functions of the basket
volume. AHAM’s extrapolation was
performed on the load weight in
pounds, and AHAM appears to have
used the conversion formula of 1⁄2.2 (or
0.45454545) to convert pounds to
kilograms. LG and Samsung submitted a
table similar to the table proposed by
AHAM, rounding the results in
kilograms to two decimal places, but
with a more accurate conversion factor
of 0.45359237. However, Samsung and
LG’s table does contain small rounding
errors which were corrected in the table
proposed in DOE’s clothes washer test
procedure NOPR. The Table 5.1 values
presented below in the alternate test
procedure approved today are taken
from DOE’s NOPR.
As DOE has stated in the past, it is in
the public interest to have similar
products tested and rated for energy
consumption on a comparable basis.
Previously, DOE granted a test
procedure waiver to Whirlpool for three
of Whirlpool’s clothes washer models
with container capacities greater than
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 40 / Tuesday, March 1, 2011 / Notices
3.8 cubic feet. 75 FR 69653 (November
15, 2010). This notice contained an
alternate test procedure, which
extended the linear relationship
between maximum test load size and
clothes washer container volume in
Table 5.1 to include a maximum test
load size of 15.4 pounds (lbs) for clothes
washer container volumes of 3.8 to 3.9
cubic feet. DOE has also granted interim
waivers to the General Electric
Company (GE) (75 FR 57915 (September
23, 2010)) and to Samsung (75 FR 57937
(September 23, 2010)) for similar
products. GE subsequently was granted
a waiver in a decision and order
published on December 10, 2010. 75 FR
76968. All decision and orders for this
type of product use the Table 5.1 values
taken from DOE’s NOPR.
III. Consultations With Other Agencies
DOE consulted with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) staff concerning the
LG petition for waiver. The FTC staff
did not have any objections to granting
a waiver to LG.
IV. Conclusion
After careful consideration of all the
material that was submitted by LG, the
waivers granted to Whirlpool, GE and
Samsung, the clothes washer test
procedure rulemaking, and consultation
with the FTC staff, it is ordered that:
(1) The petition for waiver submitted
by the LG Corporation (Case No. CW–
016) is hereby granted as set forth in the
paragraphs below.
(2) LG shall not be required to test or
rate the following LG models on the
basis of the current test procedure
contained in 10 CFR part 430, subpart
B, appendix J1. Instead, it shall be
required to test and rate such products
according to the alternate test procedure
as set forth in paragraph (3) below:
Model
Brand
WT5001C* ........................
WT5101H* ........................
LSWF388H** ....................
WM3875H*** ....................
WM3885H*** ....................
WM2701H* .......................
WM2801H*** ....................
WM3001H*** ....................
4219#90# .........................
4102#90# .........................
4051#90# .........................
4172#00# .........................
2927#00# .........................
2900#00# .........................
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
(3) LG shall be required to test the
products listed in paragraph (2) above
according to the test procedures for
clothes washers prescribed by DOE at 10
CFR part 430, appendix J1, except that,
for the LG products listed in paragraph
(2) only, the expanded Table 5.1 below
shall be substituted for Table 5.1 of
appendix J1.
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES
Container volume
≥<
Maximum load
Average load
liter
≥<
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
cu. ft
Minimum load
0–0.8
0.80–0.90
0.90–1.00
1.00–1.10
1.10–1.20
1.20–1.30
1.30–1.40
1.40–1.50
1.50–1.60
1.60–1.70
1.70–1.80
1.80–1.90
1.90–2.00
2.00–2.10
2.10–2.20
2.20–2.30
2.30–2.40
2.40–2.50
2.50–2.60
2.60–2.70
2.70–2.80
2.80–2.90
2.90–3.00
3.00–3.10
3.10–3.20
3.20–3.30
3.30–3.40
3.40–3.50
3.50–3.60
3.60–3.70
3.70–3.80
3.80–3.90
3.90–4.00
4.00–4.10
4.10–4.20
4.20–4.30
4.30–4.40
4.40–4.50
4.50–4.60
4.60–4.70
VerDate Mar<15>2010
lb
0–22.7
22.7–25.5
25.5–28.3
28.3–31.1
31.1–34.0
34.0–36.8
36.8–39.6
39.6–42.5
42.5–45.3
45.3–48.1
48.1–51.0
51.0–53.8
53.8–56.6
56.6–59.5
59.5–62.3
62.3–65.1
65.1–68.0
68.0–70.8
70.8–73.6
73.6–76.5
76.5–79.3
79.3–82.1
82.1–85.0
85.0–87.8
87.8–90.6
90.6–93.4
93.4–96.3
96.3–99.1
99.1–101.9
101.9–104.8
104.8–107.6
107.6–110.4
110.4–113.3
113.3–116.1
116.1–118.9
118.9–121.8
121.8–124.6
124.6–127.4
127.4–130.3
130.3–133.1
18:42 Feb 28, 2011
Jkt 223001
kg
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
PO 00000
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lb
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
Fmt 4703
kg
3.00
3.50
3.90
4.30
4.70
5.10
5.50
5.90
6.40
6.80
7.20
7.60
8.00
8.40
8.80
9.20
9.60
10.00
10.50
10.90
11.30
11.70
12.10
12.50
12.90
13.30
13.70
14.10
14.60
15.00
15.40
15.80
16.20
16.60
17.00
17.40
17.80
18.20
18.70
19.10
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\01MRN1.SGM
lb
1.36
1.59
1.77
1.95
2.13
2.31
2.49
2.68
2.90
3.08
3.27
3.45
3.63
3.81
3.99
4.17
4.35
4.54
4.76
4.94
5.13
5.31
5.49
5.67
5.85
6.03
6.21
6.40
6.62
6.80
6.99
7.16
7.34
7.53
7.72
7.90
8.09
8.27
8.46
8.65
01MRN1
kg
3.00
3.25
3.45
3.65
3.85
4.05
4.25
4.45
4.70
4.90
5.10
5.30
5.50
5.70
5.90
6.10
6.30
6.50
6.75
6.95
7.15
7.35
7.55
7.75
7.95
8.15
8.35
8.55
8.80
9.00
9.20
9.40
9.60
9.80
10.00
10.20
10.40
10.60
10.80
11.00
1.36
1.47
1.56
1.66
1.75
1.84
1.93
2.02
2.13
2.22
2.31
2.40
2.49
2.59
2.68
2.77
2.86
2.95
3.06
3.15
3.24
3.33
3.42
3.52
3.61
3.70
3.79
3.88
3.99
4.08
4.17
4.26
4.35
4.45
4.54
4.63
4.72
4.82
4.91
5.00
11236
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 40 / Tuesday, March 1, 2011 / Notices
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES—Continued
Container volume
cu. ft
≥<
Maximum load
Average load
liter
≥<
Minimum load
4.70–4.80
4.80–4.90
4.90–5.00
5.00–5.10
5.10–5.20
5.20–5.30
5.30–5.40
5.40–5.50
5.50–5.60
5.60–5.70
5.70–5.80
5.80–5.90
5.90–6.00
lb
133.1–135.9
135.9–138.8
138.8–141.6
141.6–144.4
144.4–147.2
147.2–150.1
150.1–152.9
152.9–155.7
155.7–158.6
158.6–161.4
161.4–164.2
164.2–167.1
167.1–169.9
kg
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
lb
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
1.36
kg
19.50
19.90
20.30
20.70
21.10
21.50
21.90
22.30
22.80
23.20
23.60
24.00
24.40
lb
8.83
9.02
9.20
9.39
9.58
9.76
9.95
10.13
10.32
10.51
10.69
10.88
11.06
kg
11.20
11.40
11.60
11.90
12.10
12.30
12.50
12.70
12.90
13.10
13.30
13.50
13.70
5.10
5.19
5.28
5.38
5.47
5.56
5.65
5.75
5.84
5.93
6.03
6.12
6.21
Notes: (1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are ±0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
(4) Representations. LG may make
representations about the energy use of
its clothes washer products for
compliance, marketing, or other
purposes only to the extent that such
products have been tested in accordance
with the provisions outlined above and
such representations fairly disclose the
results of such testing.
(5) This waiver shall remain in effect
consistent with the provisions of 10 CFR
430.27(m).
(6) This waiver is issued on the
condition that the statements,
representations, and documentary
materials provided by the petitioner are
valid. DOE may revoke or modify this
waiver at any time if it determines the
factual basis underlying the petition for
waiver is incorrect, or the results from
the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of the basic models’
true energy consumption characteristics.
(7) Grant of this waiver does not
release a petitioner from the
certification requirements set forth at 10
CFR 430.62.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 23,
2011.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[FR Doc. 2011–4486 Filed 2–28–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Combined Notice of Filings No. 1
Take notice that the Commission has
received the following Natural Gas
Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:42 Feb 28, 2011
Jkt 223001
Docket Numbers: RP11–1777–000.
Applicants: El Paso Natural Gas
Company.
Description: El Paso Natural Gas
Company submits tariff filing per
154.204: Revise Grandfathered Receipt
Pts Puckett/Sterling to be effective 4/1/
2011.
Filed Date: 02/15/2011.
Accession Number: 20110215–5017.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1778–000.
Applicants: Gulf South Pipeline
Company, LP.
Description: Gulf South Pipeline
Company, LP submits tariff filing per
154.204: ETC Amendment to Negotiated
Rate Agreement to be effective 2/1/2011.
Filed Date: 02/15/2011.
Accession Number: 20110215–5047.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1779–000.
Applicants: B–R Pipeline Company.
Description: B–R Pipeline Company
submits tariff filing per 154.204: RTF
file correction to be effective 11/1/2010.
Filed Date: 02/15/2011.
Accession Number: 20110215–5090.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1780–000.
Applicants: USG Pipeline Company.
Description: USG Pipeline Company
submits tariff filing per 154.204: RTF
file correction to be effective 11/1/2010.
Filed Date: 02/15/2011.
Accession Number: 20110215–5104.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1781–000.
Applicants: Northern Natural Gas
Company.
Description: Northern Natural Gas
Company submits tariff filing per
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
154.204: 20110215 Recoupment of
Kansas Ad Valorem Tax Refunds to be
effective 3/18/2011.
Filed Date: 02/15/2011.
Accession Number: 20110215–5118.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1782–000.
Applicants: Questar Overthrust
Pipeline Company.
Description: Questar Overthrust
Pipeline Company submits tariff filing
per 154.204: Negotiated-Rate Filing for
K4229 to be effective 3/31/2011.
Filed Date: 02/16/2011.
Accession Number: 20110216–5022.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1783–000.
Applicants: Golden Triangle Storage,
Inc.
Description: Golden Triangle Storage,
Inc. submits tariff filing per 154.203:
GTS Compliance Filing in Docket No.
CP07–414–002, to be effective 2/28/
2011.
Filed Date: 02/16/2011.
Accession Number: 20110216–5084.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Docket Numbers: RP11–1784–000.
Applicants: Millennium Pipeline
Company, LLC.
Description: Millennium Pipeline
Company, LLC submits tariff filing per
154.204: FT–2 Minimum Commodity to
be effective 3/21/2011.
Filed Date: 02/17/2011.
Accession Number: 20110217–5023.
Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
on Tuesday, March 01, 2011.
Any person desiring to intervene or to
protest in any of the above proceedings
must file in accordance with Rules 211
and 214 of the Commission’s Rules of
E:\FR\FM\01MRN1.SGM
01MRN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11233-11236]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-4486]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW-016]
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Decision and
Order Granting a Waiver to LG From the Department of Energy Residential
Clothes Washer Test Procedure
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Decision and Order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of the
decision and order (Case No. CW-016) that grants to LG Electronics
U.S.A., Inc. (LG) a waiver from the DOE clothes washer test procedure
for determining the energy consumption of clothes washers. Under
today's decision and order, LG shall be required to test and rate its
clothes washers with larger clothes containers using an alternate test
procedure that takes the larger capacities into account when measuring
energy consumption.
DATES: This Decision and Order is effective March 1, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Michael G. Raymond, U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9611, E-mail: mail to:
Michael.Raymond@ee.doe.gov.
Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 287-6111, E-mail: mail to:
Jennifer.Tiedeman@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR 430.27(l)), DOE gives notice of the
issuance of its decision and order as set forth below. The decision and
order grants LG a waiver from the applicable clothes washer test
procedure in 10 CFR part
[[Page 11234]]
430, subpart B, appendix J1 for certain basic models of clothes washers
with capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet, provided that LG tests and
rates such products using the alternate test procedure described in
this notice. Today's decision prohibits LG from making representations
concerning the energy efficiency of these products unless the product
has been tested consistent with the provisions of the alternate test
procedure set forth in the decision and order below, and the
representations fairly disclose the test results. Distributors,
retailers, and private labelers are held to the same standard when
making representations regarding the energy efficiency of these
products. 42 U.S.C. 6293(c).
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 23, 2011.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW-016)
I. Background and Authority
Title III, Part B of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975
(EPCA), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as codified)
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other
Than Automobiles, a program covering most major household appliances,
which includes the residential clothes washers that are the focus of
this notice.\1\ Part B includes definitions, test procedures, labeling
provisions, energy conservation standards, and the authority to require
information and reports from manufacturers. Further, Part B authorizes
the Secretary of Energy to prescribe test procedures that are
reasonably designed to produce results which measure energy efficiency,
energy use, or estimated operating costs, and that are not unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) The test procedure for
automatic and semi-automatic clothes washers is contained in 10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, appendix J1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was re-designated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE's regulations for covered products contain provisions allowing
a person to seek a waiver for a particular basic model from the test
procedure requirements for covered consumer products when (1) the
petitioner's basic model for which the petition for waiver was
submitted contains one or more design characteristics that prevent
testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) when
prescribed test procedures may evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(1).
Petitioners must include in their petition any alternate test
procedures known to the petitioner to evaluate the basic model in a
manner representative of its energy consumption characteristics. 10 CFR
430.27(b)(1)(iii).
The Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(the Assistant Secretary) may grant a waiver subject to conditions,
including adherence to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 430.27(l).
Waivers remain in effect pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR
430.27(m).
Any interested person who has submitted a petition for waiver may
also file an application for interim waiver of the applicable test
procedure requirements. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(2). The Assistant Secretary
will grant an interim waiver request if it is determined that the
applicant will experience economic hardship if the interim waiver is
denied, if it appears likely that the petition for waiver will be
granted, and/or the Assistant Secretary determines that it would be
desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a
determination on the petition for waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(g).
On December 23, 2010, DOE issued enforcement guidance on the
application of recently granted waivers for large-capacity clothes
washers and announced steps to improve the waiver process and refrain
from certain enforcement actions. This guidance can be found on DOE's
Web site at https://www.gc.energy.gov/1661.htm.
II. LG's Petition for Waiver: Assertions and Determinations
On September 24, 2010, LG filed a petition for waiver from the test
procedure applicable to automatic and semi-automatic clothes washers
set forth in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix J1. In particular, LG
requested a waiver to test its clothes washers on the basis of the test
procedure contained in 10 CFR part 430, Subpart B, Appendix J1, with a
revised Table 5.1 extended to larger container volumes. LG's petition
was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2010. 75 FR
71680. There was one comment on the LG petition, from Whirlpool
Corporation. Whirlpool urged that DOE process the LG waiver
expeditiously, so that clothes washers with larger clothes containers
can be tested and rated on a comparable basis.
LG's petition seeks a waiver from the DOE test procedure because
the mass of the test load used in the procedure, which is based on the
basket volume of the test unit, is currently not defined for basket
sizes greater than 3.8 cubic feet. LG manufactures basic models with
capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet, and it is for these basic
models that LG seeks a waiver from DOE's test procedure. In addition,
if the current maximum test load mass is used to test these products,
the tested energy use would be less than the actual energy usage, and
could evaluate the basic model in a manner so unrepresentative of its
true energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially
inaccurate comparative data.
Table 5.1 of Appendix J1 defines the test load sizes used in the
test procedure as linear functions of the basket volume. LG has
submitted a proposed revised table to extend the maximum basket volume
from 3.8 cubic feet to 5.1 cubic feet, a table similar to one developed
by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and provided
to DOE in comments on a recently published proposed DOE residential
clothes washer test procedure Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). 75
FR 57556 (September 21, 2010). When this rulemaking process is
complete, any amended test procedure will supersede the alternate test
procedure approved in this waiver. AHAM provided calculations to
extrapolate Table 5.1 of the current DOE test procedure to larger
container volumes. DOE believes that this is a reasonable procedure
because the DOE test procedure defines test load sizes as linear
functions of the basket volume. AHAM's extrapolation was performed on
the load weight in pounds, and AHAM appears to have used the conversion
formula of \1/2.2\ (or 0.45454545) to convert pounds to kilograms. LG
and Samsung submitted a table similar to the table proposed by AHAM,
rounding the results in kilograms to two decimal places, but with a
more accurate conversion factor of 0.45359237. However, Samsung and
LG's table does contain small rounding errors which were corrected in
the table proposed in DOE's clothes washer test procedure NOPR. The
Table 5.1 values presented below in the alternate test procedure
approved today are taken from DOE's NOPR.
As DOE has stated in the past, it is in the public interest to have
similar products tested and rated for energy consumption on a
comparable basis. Previously, DOE granted a test procedure waiver to
Whirlpool for three of Whirlpool's clothes washer models with container
capacities greater than
[[Page 11235]]
3.8 cubic feet. 75 FR 69653 (November 15, 2010). This notice contained
an alternate test procedure, which extended the linear relationship
between maximum test load size and clothes washer container volume in
Table 5.1 to include a maximum test load size of 15.4 pounds (lbs) for
clothes washer container volumes of 3.8 to 3.9 cubic feet. DOE has also
granted interim waivers to the General Electric Company (GE) (75 FR
57915 (September 23, 2010)) and to Samsung (75 FR 57937 (September 23,
2010)) for similar products. GE subsequently was granted a waiver in a
decision and order published on December 10, 2010. 75 FR 76968. All
decision and orders for this type of product use the Table 5.1 values
taken from DOE's NOPR.
III. Consultations With Other Agencies
DOE consulted with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) staff
concerning the LG petition for waiver. The FTC staff did not have any
objections to granting a waiver to LG.
IV. Conclusion
After careful consideration of all the material that was submitted
by LG, the waivers granted to Whirlpool, GE and Samsung, the clothes
washer test procedure rulemaking, and consultation with the FTC staff,
it is ordered that:
(1) The petition for waiver submitted by the LG Corporation (Case
No. CW-016) is hereby granted as set forth in the paragraphs below.
(2) LG shall not be required to test or rate the following LG
models on the basis of the current test procedure contained in 10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, appendix J1. Instead, it shall be required to test
and rate such products according to the alternate test procedure as set
forth in paragraph (3) below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Brand
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WT5001C*.................................. LG.
WT5101H*.................................. LG.
LSWF388H**................................ LG.
WM3875H***................................ LG.
WM3885H***................................ LG.
WM2701H*.................................. LG.
WM2801H***................................ LG.
WM3001H***................................ LG.
421990.................. Kenmore.
410290.................. Kenmore.
405190.................. Kenmore.
417200.................. Kenmore.
292700.................. Kenmore.
290000.................. Kenmore.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) LG shall be required to test the products listed in paragraph
(2) above according to the test procedures for clothes washers
prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR part 430, appendix J1, except that, for the
LG products listed in paragraph (2) only, the expanded Table 5.1 below
shall be substituted for Table 5.1 of appendix J1.
Table 5.1--Test Load Sizes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Container volume Minimum load Maximum load Average load
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cu. ft liter
----------------------------------------------- lb kg lb kg lb kg
>= < >= <
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-0.8 0-22.7 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36
0.80-0.90..................... 22.7-25.5 3.00 1.36 3.50 1.59 3.25 1.47
0.90-1.00..................... 25.5-28.3 3.00 1.36 3.90 1.77 3.45 1.56
1.00-1.10..................... 28.3-31.1 3.00 1.36 4.30 1.95 3.65 1.66
1.10-1.20..................... 31.1-34.0 3.00 1.36 4.70 2.13 3.85 1.75
1.20-1.30..................... 34.0-36.8 3.00 1.36 5.10 2.31 4.05 1.84
1.30-1.40..................... 36.8-39.6 3.00 1.36 5.50 2.49 4.25 1.93
1.40-1.50..................... 39.6-42.5 3.00 1.36 5.90 2.68 4.45 2.02
1.50-1.60..................... 42.5-45.3 3.00 1.36 6.40 2.90 4.70 2.13
1.60-1.70..................... 45.3-48.1 3.00 1.36 6.80 3.08 4.90 2.22
1.70-1.80..................... 48.1-51.0 3.00 1.36 7.20 3.27 5.10 2.31
1.80-1.90..................... 51.0-53.8 3.00 1.36 7.60 3.45 5.30 2.40
1.90-2.00..................... 53.8-56.6 3.00 1.36 8.00 3.63 5.50 2.49
2.00-2.10..................... 56.6-59.5 3.00 1.36 8.40 3.81 5.70 2.59
2.10-2.20..................... 59.5-62.3 3.00 1.36 8.80 3.99 5.90 2.68
2.20-2.30..................... 62.3-65.1 3.00 1.36 9.20 4.17 6.10 2.77
2.30-2.40..................... 65.1-68.0 3.00 1.36 9.60 4.35 6.30 2.86
2.40-2.50..................... 68.0-70.8 3.00 1.36 10.00 4.54 6.50 2.95
2.50-2.60..................... 70.8-73.6 3.00 1.36 10.50 4.76 6.75 3.06
2.60-2.70..................... 73.6-76.5 3.00 1.36 10.90 4.94 6.95 3.15
2.70-2.80..................... 76.5-79.3 3.00 1.36 11.30 5.13 7.15 3.24
2.80-2.90..................... 79.3-82.1 3.00 1.36 11.70 5.31 7.35 3.33
2.90-3.00..................... 82.1-85.0 3.00 1.36 12.10 5.49 7.55 3.42
3.00-3.10..................... 85.0-87.8 3.00 1.36 12.50 5.67 7.75 3.52
3.10-3.20..................... 87.8-90.6 3.00 1.36 12.90 5.85 7.95 3.61
3.20-3.30..................... 90.6-93.4 3.00 1.36 13.30 6.03 8.15 3.70
3.30-3.40..................... 93.4-96.3 3.00 1.36 13.70 6.21 8.35 3.79
3.40-3.50..................... 96.3-99.1 3.00 1.36 14.10 6.40 8.55 3.88
3.50-3.60..................... 99.1-101.9 3.00 1.36 14.60 6.62 8.80 3.99
3.60-3.70..................... 101.9-104.8 3.00 1.36 15.00 6.80 9.00 4.08
3.70-3.80..................... 104.8-107.6 3.00 1.36 15.40 6.99 9.20 4.17
3.80-3.90..................... 107.6-110.4 3.00 1.36 15.80 7.16 9.40 4.26
3.90-4.00..................... 110.4-113.3 3.00 1.36 16.20 7.34 9.60 4.35
4.00-4.10..................... 113.3-116.1 3.00 1.36 16.60 7.53 9.80 4.45
4.10-4.20..................... 116.1-118.9 3.00 1.36 17.00 7.72 10.00 4.54
4.20-4.30..................... 118.9-121.8 3.00 1.36 17.40 7.90 10.20 4.63
4.30-4.40..................... 121.8-124.6 3.00 1.36 17.80 8.09 10.40 4.72
4.40-4.50..................... 124.6-127.4 3.00 1.36 18.20 8.27 10.60 4.82
4.50-4.60..................... 127.4-130.3 3.00 1.36 18.70 8.46 10.80 4.91
4.60-4.70..................... 130.3-133.1 3.00 1.36 19.10 8.65 11.00 5.00
[[Page 11236]]
4.70-4.80..................... 133.1-135.9 3.00 1.36 19.50 8.83 11.20 5.10
4.80-4.90..................... 135.9-138.8 3.00 1.36 19.90 9.02 11.40 5.19
4.90-5.00..................... 138.8-141.6 3.00 1.36 20.30 9.20 11.60 5.28
5.00-5.10..................... 141.6-144.4 3.00 1.36 20.70 9.39 11.90 5.38
5.10-5.20..................... 144.4-147.2 3.00 1.36 21.10 9.58 12.10 5.47
5.20-5.30..................... 147.2-150.1 3.00 1.36 21.50 9.76 12.30 5.56
5.30-5.40..................... 150.1-152.9 3.00 1.36 21.90 9.95 12.50 5.65
5.40-5.50..................... 152.9-155.7 3.00 1.36 22.30 10.13 12.70 5.75
5.50-5.60..................... 155.7-158.6 3.00 1.36 22.80 10.32 12.90 5.84
5.60-5.70..................... 158.6-161.4 3.00 1.36 23.20 10.51 13.10 5.93
5.70-5.80..................... 161.4-164.2 3.00 1.36 23.60 10.69 13.30 6.03
5.80-5.90..................... 164.2-167.1 3.00 1.36 24.00 10.88 13.50 6.12
5.90-6.00..................... 167.1-169.9 3.00 1.36 24.40 11.06 13.70 6.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: (1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are 0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
(4) Representations. LG may make representations about the energy
use of its clothes washer products for compliance, marketing, or other
purposes only to the extent that such products have been tested in
accordance with the provisions outlined above and such representations
fairly disclose the results of such testing.
(5) This waiver shall remain in effect consistent with the
provisions of 10 CFR 430.27(m).
(6) This waiver is issued on the condition that the statements,
representations, and documentary materials provided by the petitioner
are valid. DOE may revoke or modify this waiver at any time if it
determines the factual basis underlying the petition for waiver is
incorrect, or the results from the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of the basic models' true energy consumption
characteristics.
(7) Grant of this waiver does not release a petitioner from the
certification requirements set forth at 10 CFR 430.62.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 23, 2011.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[FR Doc. 2011-4486 Filed 2-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
