Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to LG From the Department of Energy Residential Clothes Washer Test Procedure, 21879-21881 [2011-9474]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 19, 2011 / Notices
number listed above. Written statements
may be filed with the Board either
before or after the meeting. Individuals
who wish to make oral statements
pertaining to agenda items should
contact Joel Bradburne at the address or
telephone number listed above.
Requests must be received five days
prior to the meeting and reasonable
provision will be made to include the
presentation in the agenda. The Deputy
Designated Federal Officer is
empowered to conduct the meeting in a
fashion that will facilitate the orderly
conduct of business. Individuals
wishing to make public comments will
be provided a maximum of five minutes
to present their comments.
Minutes: Minutes will be available by
writing or calling Joel Bradburne at the
address and phone number listed above.
Minutes will also be available at the
following Web site: https://www.portsssab.energy.gov/.
Issued at Washington, DC, on April 13,
2011.
LaTanya R. Butler,
Acting Deputy Committee Management
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011–9472 Filed 4–18–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW–018]
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:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) gives notice of the
decision and order (Case No. CW–018)
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 for the basic models set forth in
its petition for waiver. Under today’s
decision and order, LG shall be required
to test and rate these 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 April 19, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Michael G. Raymond, U.S. Department
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:19 Apr 18, 2011
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of Energy, Building Technologies
Program, Mailstop EE–2J, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–9611, E-mail:
mailto:Michael.Raymond@ee.doe.gov.
Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–71, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–
0103. Telephone: (202) 586–7796, Email: mailto:mailto:Elizabeth.Kohl@hq.
doe.gov.
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
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 and
restrictions in 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).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 12,
2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy.
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics
U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW–018)
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
1 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A.
PO 00000
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21879
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 set forth 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
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 for large-capacity
clothes washers. This guidance can be
found on DOE’s Web site at https://
www.gc.energy.gov/documents/
LargeCapacityRCW_guidance
_122210.pdf.
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21880
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 19, 2011 / Notices
II. LG’s Petition for Waiver: Assertions
and Determinations
On January 19, 2011, LG submitted
the instant petition for waiver and
application for interim waiver (petition)
from the test procedure applicable to
automatic and semi-automatic clothes
washers set forth in 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix J1. This petition
expands the model list set forth in LG’s
initial petition CW–016, for which DOE
granted a waiver on March 1, 2011. 76
FR 11233. LG requested a waiver to test
its residential clothes washers with
basket volumes greater than 3.8 cubic
feet on the basis of the test procedures
contained in 10 CFR part 430, Subpart
B, Appendix J1, with a revised Table 5.1
which extends the range of container
volumes beyond 3.8 cubic feet. LG’s
instant petition and DOE’s grant of
interim waiver were also published in
the Federal Register on March 1, 2011.
76 FR 11440. DOE received no
comments on the LG petition.
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 requests that DOE grant a waiver for
testing and rating based on a revised
Table 5.1, the same table as set forth in
the waiver granted to LG on March 1,
2011. 76 FR 11233. The table is
identical to the Table 5.1 found in
DOE’s clothes washer test procedure
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR).
75 FR 57556 (September 21, 1010).
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
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. On December 10, 2010, DOE
granted a similar waiver to General
Electric Company (GE), which used the
same alternate test procedure. 75 FR
76968. DOE has also granted waivers to
Electrolux (76 FR 11440 (March 2,
2011)) and Samsung (76 FR 13169
(March 10, 2011)). All decisions and
orders for this type of product use the
Table 5.1 values presented in 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,
Samsung and Electrolux, as well as
previously to LG, 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 Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (Case
No. CW–018) 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
WM3360H* * * ...........................
WM3550H* * * ...........................
WM3150H** ................................
WM3975H* * * ...........................
WM3985H* * * ...........................
WT4901C* ..................................
2947#00# ....................................
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
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
≥<
Average load
liter
≥<
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
cu. ft.
Maximum 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 .....................
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:19 Apr 18, 2011
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00027
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
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 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
E:\FR\FM\19APN1.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
19APN1
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
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
21881
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 19, 2011 / Notices
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES—Continued
Container volume
Minimum load
cu. ft.
≥<
Average load
liter
≥<
Maximum load
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
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
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
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
kg
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
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
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
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
mstockstill on DSKH9S0YB1PROD with NOTICES
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) This waiver applies only to those
basic models set out in LG’s petition for
waiver. Grant of this waiver does not
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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release a petitioner from the
certification requirements set forth at 10
CFR 430.62.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 12,
2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011–9474 Filed 4–18–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
PO 00000
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW–019]
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products: Notice of Petition
for Waiver of Samsung Electronics
America, Inc. From the Department of
Energy Residential Clothes Washer
Test Procedure, and Grant of Interim
Waiver
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of petition for waiver and
application for interim waiver, notice of
grant of interim waiver, and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
This notice announces receipt
of and publishes the Samsung
Electronics America, Inc. (Samsung)
petition for waiver and application for
SUMMARY:
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19APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 19, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21879-21881]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9474]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW-018]
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-018) 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 for the basic
models set forth in its petition for waiver. Under today's decision and
order, LG shall be required to test and rate these 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 April 19, 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: mailto:Michael.Raymond@ee.doe.gov.
Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-7796, E-mail:
mailto:mailto:Elizabeth.Kohl@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 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 and restrictions in 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 April 12, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW-018)
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 set forth 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 for large-
capacity clothes washers. This guidance can be found on DOE's Web site
at https://www.gc.energy.gov/documents/LargeCapacityRCW_guidance_122210.pdf.
[[Page 21880]]
II. LG's Petition for Waiver: Assertions and Determinations
On January 19, 2011, LG submitted the instant petition for waiver
and application for interim waiver (petition) from the test procedure
applicable to automatic and semi-automatic clothes washers set forth in
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix J1. This petition expands the
model list set forth in LG's initial petition CW-016, for which DOE
granted a waiver on March 1, 2011. 76 FR 11233. LG requested a waiver
to test its residential clothes washers with basket volumes greater
than 3.8 cubic feet on the basis of the test procedures contained in 10
CFR part 430, Subpart B, Appendix J1, with a revised Table 5.1 which
extends the range of container volumes beyond 3.8 cubic feet. LG's
instant petition and DOE's grant of interim waiver were also published
in the Federal Register on March 1, 2011. 76 FR 11440. DOE received no
comments on the LG petition.
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 requests
that DOE grant a waiver for testing and rating based on a revised Table
5.1, the same table as set forth in the waiver granted to LG on March
1, 2011. 76 FR 11233. The table is identical to the Table 5.1 found in
DOE's clothes washer test procedure Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NOPR). 75 FR 57556 (September 21, 1010).
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 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. On December 10, 2010, DOE granted a similar
waiver to General Electric Company (GE), which used the same alternate
test procedure. 75 FR 76968. DOE has also granted waivers to Electrolux
(76 FR 11440 (March 2, 2011)) and Samsung (76 FR 13169 (March 10,
2011)). All decisions and orders for this type of product use the Table
5.1 values presented in 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, Samsung and Electrolux, as
well as previously to LG, 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 Electronics U.S.A.,
Inc. (Case No. CW-018) 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WM3360H* * *............................... LG.
WM3550H* * *............................... LG.
WM3150H**.................................. LG.
WM3975H* * *............................... LG.
WM3985H* * *............................... LG.
WT4901C*................................... LG.
294700................... Kenmore.
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(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
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Container volume Minimum load Maximum load Average load
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cu. ft. liter
--------------------------------------------------------- lb kg lb kg lb kg
>= < >= <
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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
[[Page 21881]]
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
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
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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) This waiver applies only to those basic models set out in LG's
petition for waiver. 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 April 12, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011-9474 Filed 4-18-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
