Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential Dishwashers, Dehumidifiers, and Conventional Cooking Products (Standby Mode and Off Mode), 58346-58371 [2011-22812]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 182 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58346-58371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22812]



[[Page 58345]]

Vol. 76

Tuesday,

No. 182

September 20, 2011

Part II





Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential 
Dishwashers, Dehumidifiers, and Conventional Cooking Products (Standby 
Mode and Off Mode); Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 182 / Tuesday, September 20, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 58346]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0039]
RIN 1904-AC27


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential 
Dishwashers, Dehumidifiers, and Conventional Cooking Products (Standby 
Mode and Off Mode)

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: Where appropriate, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has 
proposed to amend its test procedures for residential dishwashers, 
dehumidifiers, and conventional cooking products (which includes 
cooktops, ovens, and ranges) to include provisions for measuring 
standby mode and off mode energy consumption, as required by the Energy 
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007). These test procedure 
amendments would incorporate by reference certain provisions of the 
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 62301, 
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power.'' 
Since publication of DOE's initial proposal in December 2010, the IEC 
has replaced the First Edition of this standard with the current Second 
Edition. This supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking proposes to 
incorporate the latest edition of IEC Standard 62301.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) submitted no later 
than October 20, 2011. See section 0, ``Public Participation,'' for 
details.

ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR for Test 
Procedures for Residential Dishwashers, Dehumidifiers, and Conventional 
Cooking Products, and provide docket number EERE-2010-BT-TP-0039 and/or 
Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 1904-AC27. Comments may be 
submitted using any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. E-mail: Res-DW-Dehumid-CookingProd-2010-TP-0039@ee.doe.gov. 
Include docket number EERE-2010-BT-TP-0039 and/or RIN 1904-AC27 in the 
subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all 
items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
    Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other 
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this 
proposed rule may be submitted to Office of Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy through the methods listed above and by e-mail to 
Christine_J._Kymn@omb.eop.gov.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the 
rulemaking process, see section V of this document (Public 
Participation).
    Docket: The docket is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov, including Federal Register notices, framework 
documents, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and 
other supporting documents/materials. All documents in the docket are 
listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However, not all 
documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as 
information that is exempt from public disclosure.
    A link to the docket web page can be found at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;rpp=10;po=0;D=EERE-2010-BT-TP-0039. 
This web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the 
https://www.regulations.gov site. The https://www.regulations.gov web 
page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, 
including public comments, in the docket. See section 0 for information 
on how to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 
586-2945 or e-mail: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Wesley Anderson, Jr., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-7335. E-mail: Wes.Anderson@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9507. E-mail: Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov.
    For further information on how to submit or review public comments, 
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-2945. E-mail: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
    1. Dishwashers
    2. Dehumidifiers
    3. Conventional Cooking Products
    B. Standby Mode and Off Mode
    C. The December 2010 NOPR
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
    1. Stable Power Consumption
    2. Unstable, Non-Cyclic Power Consumption
    3. Cyclic Power Consumption
    4. Conclusions on Test Methodology
    B. Technical Corrections
    C. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
    1. Test Burden
    2. Potential Incorporation of IEC Standard 62087
    3. Integration of Standby Mode and Off Mode Energy Consumption 
Into the Efficiency Metrics
    4. Certification Requirements
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
V. Public Participation
    A. Submission of Comments
    B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
    1. Incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
    2. Methods Based on IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for 
Conventional Cooking Products With Clocks
    3. Test Burden
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Title III, Part B \1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 
1975 (EPCA or the Act), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as 
codified) sets forth a

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variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency and 
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other 
Than Automobiles, a program covering most major household 
appliances.\2\ These include residential dishwashers, conventional 
cooking products,\3\ and dehumidifiers, the subject of today's notice. 
(42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(6) and (10); 6295(cc))
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
    \2\ All references to EPCA in this rulemaking refer to the 
statute as amended through the Energy Independence and Security Act 
of 2007, Public Law 110-140.
    \3\ The term ``conventional cooking products,'' as used in this 
notice, refers to residential electric and gas kitchen ovens, 
ranges, and cooktops (other than microwave ovens).
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    Under the Act, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1) 
Testing, (2) labeling, (3) establishing Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use: (1) As the basis for certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted pursuant to EPCA, and (2) for making representations about the 
efficiency of those products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 6295(s)) Similarly, 
DOE must use these test procedures in any enforcement action to 
determine whether the products comply with these energy conservation 
standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))

A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process

    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA provides in relevant part that ``[a]ny test 
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably 
designed to produce test results which measure energy efficiency, 
energy use * * * or estimated annual operating cost of a covered 
product during a representative average use cycle or period of use, as 
determined by the Secretary [of Energy], and shall not be unduly 
burdensome to conduct.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test 
procedure, DOE must determine ``to what extent, if any, the proposed 
test procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency * * * of any 
covered product as determined under the existing test procedure.'' (42 
U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) If DOE determines that the amended test procedure 
would alter the measured efficiency of a covered product, DOE must 
amend the applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(e)(2))
    On December 19, 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 
2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110-140, was enacted. The EISA 2007 
amendments to EPCA, in relevant part, require DOE to amend the test 
procedures for all residential covered products to include measures of 
standby mode and off mode energy consumption. Specifically, section 310 
of EISA 2007 provides definitions of ``standby mode'' and ``off mode'' 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(1)(A)) and permits DOE to amend these definitions 
in the context of a given product (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(1)(B)). The 
statute requires integration of such energy consumption ``into the 
overall energy efficiency, energy consumption, or other energy 
descriptor for each covered product, unless the Secretary determines 
that--
    (i) The current test procedures for a covered product already fully 
account for and incorporate the standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption of the covered product; or
    (ii) Such an integrated test procedure is technically infeasible 
for a particular covered product, in which case the Secretary shall 
prescribe a separate standby mode and off mode energy use test 
procedure for the covered product, if technically feasible.'' (42 
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A))
    Under the statutory provisions adopted by EISA 2007, any such 
amendment must consider the most current versions of IEC Standard 
62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby 
power,'' and IEC Standard 62087, ``Methods of measurement for the power 
consumption of audio, video, and related equipment.'' \4\ Id. At the 
time of the enactment of EISA 2007, the most current versions of these 
standards were IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition 2005-06) and IEC 
Standard 62087 (Second Edition 2008-09).
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    \4\ EISA 2007 directs DOE to also consider IEC Standard 62087 
when amending its test procedures to include standby mode and off 
mode energy consumption. See 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A). However, IEC 
Standard 62087 addresses the methods of measuring the power 
consumption of audio, video, and related equipment. Accordingly, the 
narrow scope of this particular IEC standard reduces its relevance 
to today's proposal.
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1. Dishwashers
    DOE's test procedure for dishwashers is found in the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix C. 
DOE originally established its test procedure for dishwashers in 1977. 
42 FR 39964 (August 8, 1977). Since that time, the dishwasher test 
procedure has undergone a number of amendments, as discussed below. In 
1983, DOE amended the test procedure to revise the representative 
average-use cycles to more accurately reflect consumer use and to 
address dishwashers that use 120 [deg]F inlet water. 48 FR 9202 (March 
3, 1983). DOE amended the test procedure again in 1984 to redefine the 
term ``water heating dishwasher.'' 49 FR 46533 (Nov. 27, 1984). In 
1987, DOE amended the test procedure to address models that use 50 
[deg]F inlet water. 52 FR 47549 (Dec. 15, 1987). In 2001, DOE revised 
the test procedure's testing specifications to improve testing 
repeatability, changed the definitions of ``compact dishwasher'' and 
``standard dishwasher,'' and reduced the average number of use cycles 
per year from 322 to 264. 66 FR 65091, 65095-97 (Dec. 18, 2001). In 
2003, DOE again revised the test procedure to more accurately measure 
dishwasher efficiency, energy use, and water use. The 2003 dishwasher 
test procedure amendments included the following revisions: (1) the 
addition of a method to rate the efficiency of soil-sensing products; 
(2) the addition of a method to measure standby power; and (3) A 
reduction in the average-use cycles per year from 264 to 215. 68 FR 
51887, 51899-903 (August 29, 2003). The current version of the test 
procedure includes provisions for determining estimated annual energy 
use (EAEU), estimated annual operating cost (EAOC), energy factor (EF) 
expressed in cycles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and water consumption 
expressed in gallons per cycle. 10 CFR 430.23(c).
2. Dehumidifiers
    The DOE test procedure for dehumidifiers is found at 10 CFR 430, 
subpart B, appendix X. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), 
Public Law 109-58, amended EPCA to specify that the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency's (EPA) test criteria used under the ENERGY 
STAR[supreg] \5\ program must serve as the basis for the test procedure 
for dehumidifiers. (EPACT 2005, section 135(b); 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(13)) 
The ENERGY STAR test criteria require that American National Standards 
Institute (ANSI)/Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) 
Standard DH-1-2003,

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``Dehumidifiers,'' be used to measure energy use and that the Canadian 
Standards Association (CAN/CSA) standard CAN/CSA-C749-1994 (R2005), 
``Performance of Dehumidifiers,'' be used to calculate EF. DOE has 
adopted these test criteria, along with related definitions and 
tolerances, as its test procedure for dehumidifiers. 71 FR 71340, 
71347, 71366-68 (Dec. 8, 2006). The DOE test procedure provides methods 
for determining the EF for dehumidifiers, which is expressed in liters 
(l) of water condensed per kWh.
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    \5\ For more information on the ENERGY STAR program, see: https://www.energystar.gov.
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3. Conventional Cooking Products
    DOE's test procedures for conventional ranges, cooktops, and ovens 
(including microwave ovens) are found at 10 CFR 430, subpart B, 
appendix I. DOE first established the test procedures included in 
appendix I in a final rule published in the Federal Register on May 10, 
1978. 43 FR 20108, 20120-28. DOE revised its test procedure for cooking 
products to more accurately measure their efficiency and energy use, 
and published the revisions as a final rule in 1997. 62 FR 51976 (Oct. 
3, 1997). These test procedure amendments included: (1) a reduction in 
the annual useful cooking energy; (2) a reduction in the number of 
self-cleaning oven cycles per year; and (3) incorporation of portions 
of IEC Standard 705-1988, ``Methods for measuring the performance of 
microwave ovens for household and similar purposes,'' and Amendment 2-
1993 for the testing of microwave ovens. Id. The test procedure for 
conventional cooking products establishes provisions for determining 
EAOC, cooking efficiency (defined as the ratio of cooking energy output 
to cooking energy input), and EF (defined as the ratio of annual useful 
cooking energy output to total annual energy input). 10 CFR 430.23(i); 
10 CFR 430 subpart B, appendix I. These provisions for conventional 
cooking products are not currently used for compliance with any energy 
conservation standards (because those standards currently involve 
design requirements), nor is there an EnergyGuide \6\ labeling program 
for cooking products.
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    \6\ For more information on the EnergyGuide labeling program, 
see: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/16cfr305_00.html.
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    DOE has initiated a separate test procedure rulemaking to address 
standby mode and off mode power consumption for microwave ovens. This 
rulemaking was initiated separately in response to comments from 
interested parties on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANOPR) 
for an earlier rulemaking concerning energy conservation standards for 
residential dishwashers, dehumidifiers, cooking products, and 
commercial clothes washers published on November 15, 2007 (hereafter 
referred to as the November 2007 ANOPR) (72 FR 64432), prior to the 
enactment of EISA 2007. As discussed in the subsequent notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for that standards rulemaking, interested 
parties stated generally that DOE should amend the test procedures for 
all types of cooking products to allow for measurement of standby mode 
energy use in order to implement a standby power energy conservation 
standard. 73 FR 62034, 62043-44 (Oct. 17, 2008). However, DOE did not 
receive any specific data or inputs on standby power consumption in 
conventional cooking products. Also, at that time, interested parties 
did not submit any comments regarding DOE addressing new measures of 
standby mode and off mode energy use in the test procedures or energy 
conservation standards for the other products that were the subject of 
the November 2007 ANOPR (i.e., dishwashers and dehumidifiers). Because 
DOE agreed with the comments supporting new measures of standby mode 
and off mode energy use for microwave ovens and the potential for early 
adoption of an energy conservation standard for microwave ovens 
addressing standby mode and off mode energy consumption, DOE published 
a NOPR proposing amendments to just the microwave oven test procedure 
for standby mode and off mode in the Federal Register on October 17, 
2008. 73 FR 62134. DOE subsequently published a supplemental notice of 
proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) in the Federal Register on this topic on 
July 22, 2010 (75 FR 42612), and an interim final rule on March 9, 2011 
(hereafter referred to as the March 2011 Interim Final Rule) (76 FR 
12825). DOE issued this as an interim final rule in order to allow 
comment on a newly issued version of IEC Standard 62301 (which is 
discussed in more detail in the following section) for measuring 
standby mode and off mode energy use, the previous version of which was 
incorporated by reference in the microwave oven test procedure. 
Consequently, DOE is proposing amendments to its cooking products test 
procedure for only conventional cooking products in today's SNOPR.

B. Standby Mode and Off Mode

    Section 310 of EISA 2007 amended EPCA to require DOE to amend the 
test procedures for covered products to address standby mode and off 
mode energy consumption. Specifically, the amendments require DOE to 
integrate standby mode and off mode energy consumption into the overall 
energy efficiency, energy consumption, or other energy descriptor for 
that product unless the current test procedures already fully account 
for such consumption. If integration is technically infeasible, DOE 
must prescribe a separate standby mode and off mode energy use test 
procedure, if technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) Any such 
amendment must consider the most current versions of IEC Standard 
62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby 
power,'' and IEC Standard 62087, ``Methods of measurement for the power 
consumption of audio, video, and related equipment.'' Id.

C. The December 2010 NOPR

    On December 2, 2010, DOE published a NOPR (hereafter called the 
December 2010 NOPR) in which it proposed to incorporate by reference 
into the test procedures for dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and 
conventional cooking products specific provisions from IEC Standard 
62301 ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby 
power,'' First Edition 2005-06 (IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) or 
``First Edition'') regarding test conditions and test procedures for 
measuring standby mode and off mode power consumption. 75 FR 75290, 
75295-97. DOE also proposed to incorporate into each test procedure the 
definitions of ``active mode,'' ``standby mode,'' and ``off mode'' that 
were based on the definitions for those terms provided in the most 
current draft at that time of an updated version of IEC Standard 62301. 
Id. at 75297-300. Further, DOE proposed to include in each test 
procedure additional language that would clarify the application of 
clauses from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for measuring standby 
mode and off mode power consumption.\7\ Id. at 75300-04. DOE held a 
public meeting on December 17, 2010, to receive comments on the 
December 2010 NOPR, and accepted written comments, data, and 
information until February 15, 2011. Commenters to the December 2010 
NOPR suggested that the draft

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updated version of IEC Standard 62301 would provide practical 
improvement to the mode definitions and testing methodology for the 
test procedures that are the subject of this rulemaking.
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    \7\ EISA 2007 directs DOE to also consider IEC Standard 62087 
when amending its test procedure to include standby mode and off 
mode energy consumption. See 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A). However, IEC 
Standard 62087 addresses the methods of measuring the power 
consumption of audio, video, and related equipment. The narrow scope 
of this particular IEC standard reduces its relevance to today's 
proposal.
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II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    Based upon the public comment received on the December 2010 NOPR, 
DOE decided to further analyze the draft materials associated with IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition), which were in an advanced stage of 
development. Shortly thereafter, the IEC adopted and published IEC 
Standard 62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of 
standby power,'' Edition 2.0 2011-01 (IEC Standard 62301 (Second 
Edition) or ``Second Edition'') on January 27, 2011. Consistent with 
its statutory mandate, DOE has reviewed this latest version of the IEC 
standard and agrees that it does provide for improvement for some 
measurements of standby mode and off mode energy use. Accordingly, DOE 
proposes in today's SNOPR to incorporate certain provisions of the IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition), along with clarifying language, into 
the DOE test procedures for residential dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and 
conventional cooking products. Other than the specific amendments newly 
proposed in today's SNOPR, DOE continues to propose the test procedure 
amendments originally included in the December 2010 NOPR. For the 
reader's convenience, DOE has reproduced in this SNOPR the entire body 
of proposed regulatory text from the December 2010 NOPR for the 
residential dishwasher, dehumidifier, and conventional cooking products 
test procedures, further amended as appropriate according to today's 
proposals. DOE's supporting analysis and discussion for the portions of 
the proposed regulatory text not affected by this SNOPR may be found in 
the December 2010 NOPR. 75 FR 75290 (Dec. 2, 2010).

III. Discussion

A. Incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)

    As noted above, EPCA, as amended by EISA 2007, requires that test 
procedures be amended to include standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption, taking into consideration the most current versions of IEC 
Standards 62301 and 62087. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) The December 2010 
NOPR proposed to incorporate in the test procedures for dishwashers, 
dehumidifiers, and conventional cooking products relevant provisions 
from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for measuring standby mode and 
off mode power. The amended test procedures would use these measured 
wattages in calculations to accomplish the incorporation of standby 
mode and off mode energy consumption into the test procedures. DOE 
reviewed the IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) and tentatively 
concluded that it would be generally applicable to dishwashers, 
dehumidifiers, and conventional cooking products, although some 
clarification would be needed. Specifically, DOE proposed in the 
December 2010 NOPR for standby mode and off mode power measurements to 
provide a stabilization period of at least 30 minutes followed by an 
energy use measurement period of not less than 10 minutes for each of 
the covered products. 75 FR 75290, 75300 (Dec. 2, 2010). Additionally, 
for conventional cooking products, DOE proposed a specific standby mode 
power measurement methodology for units in which power varies as a 
function of displayed time. 75 FR 75290, 75302-04 (Dec. 2, 2010). With 
these clarifications in place, the December 2010 NOPR proposed to 
reference IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for the standby mode and 
off mode wattage measurements. (DOE notes that IEC Standard 62301 
(First Edition) has been incorporated by reference in 10 CFR 430.3, 
``Materials incorporated by reference,'' as part of recent final 
amendments to the furnace and boiler test procedure. 75 FR 64621 (Oct. 
20, 2010).)
    DOE noted in the December 2010 NOPR that there were expected to be 
significant differences between the first and second editions of IEC 
Standard 62301, based upon DOE's review of the Final Draft 
International Standard (FDIS) version available at that time. 75 FR 
75290, 75296 (Dec. 2, 2010). For example, IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) 
modified certain provisions, such as clarifying the definition of 
``standby mode'' and ``off mode'' to allow for the measurement of 
multiple standby power modes.
    As part of the December 2010 NOPR, DOE reviewed IEC Standard 62301 
(FDIS) and anticipated that, once finalized, it would ultimately define 
the various modes differently than IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). 
75 FR 75290, 75296-97 (Dec. 2, 2010). IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) 
incorporated responses to comments from multiple national committees 
from member countries on several previous draft versions, and thus, DOE 
believed, it provided the best available mode definitions. Although the 
revised IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) had not yet been officially 
released, DOE decided to consider the substance of the new operational 
mode definitions from the draft version IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) for 
the December 2010 NOPR. Id. DOE noted that the mode definitions in IEC 
Standard 62301 (FDIS) were substantively similar to those in the 
previous draft version (IEC Standard 62301 Committee Draft for Vote 
(CDV)), which were the subject of extensive comments from interested 
parties during recent DOE test procedure rulemakings addressing standby 
mode and off mode energy use in other products (i.e., microwave ovens, 
clothes dryers, and room air conditioners). In those instances, 
interested parties indicated general support for adopting the mode 
definitions provided in IEC Standard 62301 (CDV). Due to the effective 
equivalence of the mode definitions in IEC Standard 62301 (CDV) and IEC 
Standard 62301 (FDIS), DOE stated in the December 2010 NOPR that the 
public comment support expressed for the mode definitions in IEC 
Standard 62301 (CDV) would extend to those in IEC Standard 62301 
(FDIS). 75 FR 75290, 75297 (Dec. 2, 2010).
    After considering both versions of IEC Standard 62301 (i.e., First 
Edition and FDIS), DOE tentatively concluded in the December 2010 NOPR 
that the definitions of ``standby mode,'' ``off mode,'' and ``active 
mode'' provided in IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) were the most useful, in 
that they expanded upon the EPCA mode definitions and provided 
additional guidance as to which functions would be associated with each 
mode. Therefore, DOE proposed definitions of ``standby mode,'' ``off 
mode,'' and ``active mode'' based on the definitions provided in IEC 
Standard 62301 (FDIS) in the December 2010 NOPR. Id.
    DOE noted in the December 2010 NOPR that other significant changes 
in the methodology of IEC Standard 62301 were first introduced only at 
the FDIS stage. DOE noted that those changes had not been, at that 
time, the subject of significant public comment from interested 
parties, nor had DOE had the opportunity to conduct a thorough analysis 
of those provisions. 75 FR 75290, 75297 (Dec. 2, 2010). Consequently, 
the merits of those latest changes had not been fully vetted, as would 
demonstrate that they would be preferable to the methodological 
provisions in IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). Thus, DOE stated it 
was not able to determine whether the updated methodology represented 
the best available means to measure standby mode and off mode energy 
use. DOE,

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therefore, tentatively decided to base the proposed test procedure 
amendments (other than mode definitions) on the provisions of IEC 
Standard 62301 (First Edition). Id. (DOE notes that while the statute 
requires consideration of the latest version of IEC 62301, it does not 
require the agency to ignore other draft versions that have achieved an 
advanced level of vetting, such as IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS), which had 
already been out for a final vote among members.)
    In response to the December 2010 NOPR, DOE received comments from 
interested parties regarding the appropriate version of IEC Standard 
62301 to use in its test procedures to measure standby mode and off 
mode energy use. Comments made at the public meeting were predicated 
upon IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) being the most current, albeit draft, 
version of the updated standard. By the time the NOPR comment period 
ended on February 15, 2011, IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) had 
published, and thus, interested parties were able to consider this 
version as the most current in their written submissions to DOE.
    Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas 
Company, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison 
(jointly ``the California Utilities'') supported harmonizing with the 
mode definitions in IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS). (California Utilities, 
No. 16 at p. 3; PG&E, No. 17 at p. 3) \8\ The Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance 
(NEEA), and Whirlpool Corporation (Whirlpool) supported basing the 
methodology as well as mode definitions on the FDIS or Second Edition 
of IEC Standard 62301. (AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 
27-30, 36 \9\; NEEA, No. 11 at pp. 1-2, 5-6; Whirlpool, No. 12 at pp. 
1-2) AHAM and Whirlpool supported the use of IEC Standard 62301 (Second 
Edition) for reasons of: (1) international harmonization; (2) clarity 
and consistency in testing; and (3) reduced manufacturer test burden. 
(Whirlpool, No. 12 at pp. 1-2, AHAM, No. 14 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ A notation in the form ``PG&E, No. 17 at p. 3'' identifies a 
written comment: (1) Made by Pacific Gas and Electric Company; (2) 
recorded in document number 17 that is filed in the docket of the 
residential dishwasher, dehumidifier, and conventional cooking 
products test procedures rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-
0039) and available for review at https://www.regulations.gov; (3) 
which appears on page 3 of document number 17.
    \9\ A notation in the form ``AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 10 at pp. 27-30, 36'' identifies an oral comment that DOE 
received during the December 17, 2010, NOPR public meeting, was 
recorded in the public meeting transcript in the docket for the 
residential dishwasher, dehumidifier, and conventional cooking 
products test procedures rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-
0039), and is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. 
This particular notation refers to a comment: (1) Made by the 
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers during the public 
meeting; (2) recorded in document number 10, which is the public 
meeting transcript that is filed in the docket of the residential 
dishwasher, dehumidifier, and conventional cooking products test 
procedures rulemaking; and (3) which appears on pages 27-30 and 36 
of document number 10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    AHAM noted that IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS), and subsequently IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition), contain a number of important 
clarifications that were not present in IEC Standard 62301 (First 
Edition) or IEC Standard 62301 (CDV) and that would provide more 
accurate testing and measurement. Specifically, AHAM identified new or 
expanded sections on the measurement of power uncertainty, crest 
factor, power measurement frequency response, sampling methods, average 
reading methods for non-cyclic loads, and instrument measurement 
methods. AHAM opined that these provisions become critical in light of 
DOE's announced intent to require third-party testing and verification 
testing of very small amounts of energy in standby mode. AHAM also 
commented that it would be difficult to pick and choose specific 
sections to adopt, because IEC Standard 62301 is intended to be read as 
a whole and that picking certain sections out may cause problems in how 
they are interpreted. For example, AHAM argued that picking out a 
definition from IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) and then combining that with 
incorporation by reference to IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) would 
be inconsistent. (AHAM, No. 14 at p. 3; AHAM, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 27-30)
    NEEA stated that DOE has the regulatory flexibility to adjust mode 
definitions and test methods if it believes that a definition or 
procedure other than that in IEC Standard 62301 would be more 
appropriate. On this point, NEEA argued that IEC Standard 62301 (First 
Edition) is inadequate for comprehensively capturing the energy use of 
the broad array of products and modes that DOE is trying to cover. NEEA 
commented that IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) is particularly suitable for 
operational modes that have cyclic or unstable power consumption. NEEA 
commented that any measurement period that is 5 minutes or less, as 
allowed in IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), is likely to be 
insufficient for capturing the energy use for these modes. However, 
NEEA also stated there could be certain specific modes for which the 
less complicated procedures from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) 
might be more suitable, specifically, if DOE includes cycle-finished 
mode as part of active mode rather than inactive (standby) mode.\10\ 
(NEEA, No. 11 at pp. 1-2, 5-6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ DOE proposed in the December 2010 NOPR to define ``active 
mode'' for dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and conventional cooking 
products as ``the condition in which the energy-using product is 
connected to a main power source, has been activated, and provides 
one or more main functions.'' DOE proposed to define ``inactive 
mode'' for dishwashers, dehumidifiers, and conventional cooking 
products as ``a standby mode that facilitates the activation of 
active mode by remote switch (including remote control), internal 
sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status display.'' DOE 
proposed to define ``cycle finished mode'' for dishwashers and 
conventional cooking products as ``a mode which provides continuous 
status display following operation in active mode.'' 75 FR 75290, 
75297-9 (Dec. 2, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) was issued on January 
27, 2011, it became the most current version under the EPCA 
requirements at the time DOE considered comments on the December 2010 
NOPR. Accordingly, DOE then conducted a comparative review of the FDIS 
and Second Edition versions of IEC Standard 62301, and the results of 
this review demonstrated that the provisions of the Second Edition are 
identical in substance to those of the FDIS version. Therefore, DOE 
interprets comments on IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) to be equally 
applicable to IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition).
    DOE agrees with the commenters that IEC Standard 62301 (Second 
Edition) is an internationally-accepted test procedure for measuring 
standby power in residential appliances, and that this version provides 
clarification to certain sections as compared to the First Edition. 
Specifically, section 4, paragraph 4.4 of the Second Edition revises 
the power measurement accuracy provisions that were present in the 
First Edition. A more comprehensive specification of required accuracy 
is provided in the Second Edition, which depends upon the 
characteristics of the power being measured. Testers using the Second 
Edition are required to measure the crest factor and power factor of 
the input power, and to calculate a maximum current ratio (MCR). The 
Second Edition then specifies calculations to determine permitted 
uncertainty in MCR. DOE notes, however, that the allowable uncertainty 
is the same or less stringent than the allowable uncertainty specified 
in the First Edition, depending on the value of MCR and the power level 
being measured (see Table 0.1 for examples),

[[Page 58351]]

so that sufficient accuracy of measurements is achieved under a full 
range of possible measured power levels without placing undue demands 
on the instrumentation. In addition, the wattage variations associated 
with the allowable uncertainty in power measurements are so small in 
relation to overall energy use that they would not result in measurable 
changes in the overall efficiency metric for dishwashers, 
dehumidifiers, or conventional cooking products. These power 
measurement accuracy requirements were based upon detailed technical 
submissions to the IEC in the development of IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS), 
which showed that commonly-used power measurement instruments were 
unable to meet the original requirements for certain types of loads. 
Therefore, DOE believes that the incremental testing burden associated 
with the additional measurements and calculations is offset by the more 
reasonable requirements for testing equipment, while maintaining 
measurement accuracy deemed acceptable and practical by voting members 
for IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). For these reasons, DOE 
proposes in today's supplemental notice to incorporate by reference the 
power equipment specifications in section 4, paragraph 4.4 of IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition).

                       Table III.1--Comparison of Allowable Uncertainty in Measured Power
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Allowable uncertainty (W)
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
                 Measured power (W)                                             IEC 62301 (Second edition)
                                                       IEC 62301  (First ---------------------------------------
                                                           edition)             MCR = 5            MCR = 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.0.................................................                0.1                 0.1                0.14
2.0.................................................                0.04                0.04               0.056
1.0.................................................                0.02                0.02               0.028
0.5.................................................                0.01                0.02               0.02
0.2.................................................                0.01                0.02               0.02
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) adds certain 
clarifications to the installation and setup procedures in section 5, 
paragraph 5.2 of the First Edition regarding products equipped with 
battery recharging circuits, as well as instructions for testing each 
relevant configuration option identified in the product's instructions 
for use. DOE is not aware of any dishwashers, dehumidifiers, or 
conventional cooking products with a recharging circuit. DOE also 
believes that a requirement to separately test each configuration 
option could substantially increase test burden and potentially 
conflicts with the requirement within the same section to set up the 
product in accordance with the instructions for use or, if no such 
instructions are available, to use the factory or ``default'' settings. 
Therefore, DOE tentatively concludes that the portions of the 
installation instructions in section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC Standard 
62301 (Second Edition) pertaining to batteries and the requirement for 
the determination, classification, and testing of all modes associated 
with every combination of available product configuration options 
(which may be more numerous than the modes associated with operation at 
the default settings) are not appropriate for the dishwasher, 
dehumidifier, and conventional cooking products test procedures. 
Accordingly, DOE is proposing qualifying language in the test procedure 
amendments for these products to disregard those portions of the 
installation instructions.
    The other major changes in the Second Edition that relate to the 
measurement of standby mode and off mode power consumption in covered 
products involve the measurement techniques and specification of the 
stability criteria required to measure that power. The Second Edition 
contains more detailed techniques to evaluate the stability of the 
power consumption and to measure the power consumption for loads with 
different stability characteristics. According to the Second Edition, 
the user is given a choice of measurement procedures, including 
sampling methods, average reading methods, and a direct meter reading 
method. DOE evaluated these new methods in terms of test burden and 
improvement in results as compared to those methods proposed in the 
December 2010 NOPR, which were based on IEC Standard 62301 (First 
Edition).
    In the December 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed for all covered products to 
require measurement of standby mode and off mode power using section 5, 
paragraph 5.3 of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), clarified by 
requiring the product to stabilize for at least 30 minutes and using an 
energy use measurement period of not less than 10 minutes. Further, for 
any dishwasher or dehumidifier in which the power varies over a cycle, 
as described in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 of the First Edition, the 
December 2010 NOPR proposed to require the use of the average power 
approach in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a), with the same 30-minute 
minimum stabilization and 10-minute minimum measurement periods, as 
long as the measurement period comprises one or more complete cycles. 
75 FR 75290, 75300-01 (Dec. 2, 2010). DOE additionally proposed 
specific methodology for conventional cooking products in which power 
varies as a function of the time displayed. In that case, testers are 
allowed to choose measuring standby power by means of either:
(a) 10-Minute Test
    (1) Allow the product to stabilize according to section 5, 
paragraph 5.3 of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), which requires a 
minimum of 5 minutes;
    (2) Set the clock time to 3:23;
    (3) Allow another stabilization period until the clock time reaches 
3:33;
    (4) Use the average power approach in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) 
to measure standby mode power for a period of 10 minutes +0/-2 seconds; 
or
(b) 12-Hour Test
    (1) At any clock time, allow the product to stabilize according to 
section 5, paragraph 5.3 of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), which 
requires a minimum of 5 minutes;
    (2) Use the average power approach in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) 
to measure standby mode power for a period of 12 hours +0/-30 seconds.
    According to the proposal, manufacturers could elect to conduct 
either a 10-minute test or a 12-hour test, or both, and results of the 
10-minute test that are within  2 percent of the results 
for the 12-hour test would be deemed to

[[Page 58352]]

be representative of average energy use. Id. at 75302-04, 75328.
    For today's supplemental notice, to determine the potential impacts 
of referencing methodology from IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) 
rather than from the First Edition, DOE compared the provisions allowed 
by each under different scenarios of power consumption stability.
1. Stable Power Consumption
    According to section 5, paragraph 5.3.1 of IEC Standard 62301 
(First Edition), power consumption is defined as stable if it varies by 
less than 5 percent over 5 minutes. In such a case, a direct reading 
may be made at the end of the measurement period. With the proposed 
clarifications in the December 2010 NOPR, the total test time would be 
at minimum 40 minutes (comprised of a minimum 30-minute stabilization 
period, followed by a minimum 10-minute period during which the 
stability criterion could be evaluated and a direct power reading 
taken.) Alternatively, the tester may select an average power or 
accumulated energy approach, again with a minimum 30-minute 
stabilization period and a minimum 10-minute measurement period. The 
average power approach would simply require a different reading to be 
taken from the instrument (true average power instead of a direct 
reading of instantaneous power), while the accumulated energy approach 
would require the calculation of power by dividing an accumulated 
energy by the duration of the measurement period.
    In comparison, section 5, paragraph 5.3.4 of IEC Standard 62301 
(Second Edition) specifies a direct meter reading method that can be 
used for stable power consumption, in which a minimum 30-minute 
stabilization period must be observed, followed by a first power 
measurement. After an additional period of 10 minutes, a second power 
measurement is taken. If the average of the two measurements divided by 
the time interval between them meets certain threshold criteria, then 
the power consumption is considered to be the average of the two power 
measurements. Thus, the total test period would still be at minimum 40 
minutes. DOE agrees that this method likely improves the validity of 
the test results, as it is a more stringent measure of the stability of 
the power consumption over a longer period of time than the First 
Edition requires. However, if the threshold criteria are not met at the 
end of the test, a different measurement method must be used, 
increasing test time and complexity. Further, the Second Edition 
specifies that the direct reading method shall not be used for 
verification purposes. Both of these qualifications potentially 
increase test burden as compared to the First Edition, possibly 
requiring the tester to conduct the more complex methodology of the 
methods available under the Second Edition.
    DOE notes that section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC Standard 62301 
(Second Edition) identifies a sampling method as the preferred means 
for all power consumption measurements and the fastest test method when 
the power is stable. For any non-cyclic power consumption, power 
readings are initially recorded over a period of at least 15 minutes 
after energizing the product. Data from the first third of the 
measurement period are discarded, and stability is evaluated by a 
linear regression through all power readings in the second two-thirds 
of the data. If the slope of the linear regression is less than 10 
milliwatts per hour (mW/h) for input power less than or equal to 1.0 W, 
or less than 1 percent of the input power per hour for input power 
greater than 1.0 W, the power consumption is calculated as the average 
of the power readings during the second two-thirds of the measurement 
period. If the slope of the linear regression does not meet these 
stability criteria, the total period is continuously extended until the 
stability criteria are met for the second two-thirds of the data. In 
some cases, this is a more stringent requirement than the stability 
criteria of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). The lack of a 
definitive test period means that the test duration could extend past 
15 minutes for certain products--up to 3 hours is allowed in the Second 
Edition--and could introduce added test burden as compared to the First 
Edition.
2. Unstable, Non-Cyclic Power Consumption
    Section 5, paragraph 5.3 from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), 
which DOE proposed in the December 2010 NOPR to incorporate by 
reference with clarification, specifies that either an average power 
method or accumulated energy approach could be used for measuring non-
cyclic unstable power consumption. As described previously, the 
clarifications proposed in the December 2010 NOPR would limit total 
test duration to 40 minutes.
    In contrast, the Second Edition requires the use of either a 
sampling method or average reading method for measuring power 
consumption in standby mode or off mode. The sampling method is the 
same as described previously, but the measurement period must be at 
least 60 minutes, and the cumulative average of all data points 
recorded during the second two-thirds of the total period must fall 
within a band of  0.2 percent.
    The average reading method in section 5, paragraph 5.3.3 IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition) comprises both an average power method 
and accumulated energy method, either of which may be selected for 
unstable, non-cyclic power. For both types of the average reading 
method, a 30-minute stabilization period is specified, followed by two 
comparison measurement periods of not less than 10 minutes each. The 
average power values, either measured directly or calculated from 
accumulated energy during each period, are compared to determine 
whether they agree to within certain threshold criteria. If the 
threshold is not achieved, the comparison periods are each extended in 
approximately equal increments until the threshold is met. If agreement 
is not achieved after reaching 30 minutes for each comparison period, 
the sampling method must then be used. Therefore, the minimum test 
period is 50 minutes, but may extend up to 90 minutes, at which time an 
additional test may be required.
    DOE believes that the stability criteria in either method improves 
the accuracy and representativeness of the measurement as compared to 
the First Edition, but would cause the required test time to increase 
(potentially quite significantly), with a corresponding increase in 
manufacturer burden due to the additional time and complexity of the 
test conduct.
3. Cyclic Power Consumption
Dishwashers and Dehumidifiers
    As noted previously, DOE proposed in the December 2010 NOPR for 
these products to use the average power approach of section 5, 
paragraph 5.3.2(a) in IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), with a 
minimum 30-minute stabilization period and 10-minute measurement 
period. The First Edition also requires that at least one or more 
complete cycles be measured.
    In the Second Edition, cyclic power must be measured according to 
the sampling method in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2, but this method 
requires a measurement period of at least four complete cycles (for a 
total of at least 40 minutes) divided into two comparison periods, with 
stability criteria evaluated by calculating the difference in average 
power measured in each comparison period divided by the time difference 
of the mid-point of each

[[Page 58353]]

comparison period. This ``slope'' must be less than 10 mW/h for input 
powers less than or equal to 1 W, and less than 1 percent of the input 
power per hour for input powers greater than 1 W. If the appropriate 
stability criterion is not met, additional cycles are added to each 
comparison period until the criterion is achieved. Once stability has 
been reached, the power consumption is calculated as the average of all 
readings from both comparison periods. DOE believes that this 
methodology produces an improved measurement over the methodology from 
the First Edition, but the test duration could extend significantly 
longer, again potentially introducing issues of increased test burden.
Conventional Cooking Products
    For conventional cooking products in which standby mode power 
consumption varies as a function of displayed time, DOE proposed in the 
December 2010 NOPR to require the use of either the 10-minute or 12-
hour test methodology described previously, based on the average power 
approach of section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) of IEC Standard 62301 (First 
Edition). If the results of the 10-minute test agree to within 2 percent with the results of the 12-hour test, the 10-minute 
test results would be deemed representative and would require a minimum 
of 25 minutes to conduct. If a full 12-hour test is used, total test 
duration would be 12 hours and 5 minutes.
    Under the Second Edition, testers would be required to use the 
sampling method of section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 for conventional cooking 
products that consume varying power as a function of the displayed time 
due to the cyclic nature of this power consumption. Because all of the 
clock displays which DOE observed to be incorporated in conventional 
cooking products are based on a 12-hour cycle, such a product which 
consumes varying power as a function of the displayed time would be 
required under the Second Edition to be tested for a minimum of 4 
cycles, or 48 hours, in addition to an initial stabilization period of 
not less than 10 minutes. DOE notes that this test duration would 
impose a greatly increased test burden on manufacturers, particularly 
in comparison to the previously proposed 10-minute methodology.
4. Conclusions on Test Methodology
    DOE, in evaluating IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) in 
comparison to the First Edition, confers substantial weight to the 
considerable body of comments on and input to the provisions and 
methodology that IEC developed as part of its latest revision process. 
DOE recognizes that, in some cases, test burden and complexity would be 
increased by requiring the use of the test methods specified in the 
Second Edition. However, DOE believes that in most cases, this added 
burden on manufacturers has been sufficiently considered by the IEC 
voting members as being outweighed by the improved accuracy and 
representativeness of the resulting power consumption measurement. 
Furthermore, manufacturers were aware of these differences, but 
nevertheless, they overwhelmingly expressed support for DOE's use of 
the Second Edition. In particular, DOE tentatively concludes that the 
application of the provisions of the Second Edition to all power 
measurements in standby mode and off mode for dishwashers and 
dehumidifiers would be appropriate, and is proposing incorporation by 
reference of the relevant paragraphs of section 5.3 of IEC Standard 
62301 (Second Edition) in the test procedures for these products. 
Further, DOE observes that although the Second Edition allows the 
choice of multiple test methods for both stable and unstable non-cyclic 
power consumption, the IEC preferred sampling method provides for a 
test duration that is approximately the same or shorter than the 
allowable IEC alternative methods and does not require classification 
of the nature of the power consumption (e.g., stable or unstable, non-
cyclic) in advance of the test. By monitoring the variation in power 
consumption during the test, the test operator could determine whether 
it is stable or unstable, and, thus, the required duration of the 
sampling periods. For cyclic power consumption, the Second Edition 
requires the use of the sampling method. Thus, DOE proposes in today's 
SNOPR to specify the use of the sampling method in section 5.3.2 of IEC 
Standard 62301 (Second Edition) for all measures of standby mode and 
off mode power consumption for residential dishwashers and 
dehumidifiers.
    Similarly, for conventional cooking products, DOE has tentatively 
concluded that section 5.3 of the Second Edition includes provisions 
that are appropriate for measuring off mode and standby modes (except 
in the case of a unit's clock whose power consumption varies by the 
time displayed), and that the sampling method in section 5.3.2 of the 
Second Edition would also provide for measurements with minimal test 
burden. Thus, DOE proposes for conventional cooking products to require 
the use of the sampling method in section 5.3.2 of the Second Edition, 
except as follows. In the narrow case of cooking products with power 
consumption that varies as a function of the time displayed, DOE 
tentatively concludes that the application of the test methodology from 
the Second Edition would cause manufacturers to incur significant 
burden that would not be warranted by any potential improved accuracy 
of the test measurement. For this reason, DOE continues to propose in 
this supplemental notice the 10-minute and 12-hour test methods for 
these products in the conventional cooking products test procedure. 
Because DOE proposes to base the other provisions incorporated by 
reference from IEC Standard 62301 on the Second Edition, DOE has 
revised its proposal regarding the 10-minute and 12-hour tests to 
include language equivalent to the average power method from the First 
Edition, without incorporating the First Edition by reference.
    To this end, this supplemental notice is also proposing to amend 
the reference in 10 CFR 430.3 to add a reference to IEC Standard 62301 
(Second Edition). DOE is not proposing to replace the reference to the 
First Edition in 10 CFR 430.3, because several test procedures for 
other covered products not addressed in today's supplemental notice 
incorporate provisions from it. In addition, there are a number of 
editorial changes necessary in the various appendices addressed in 
today's supplemental notice to allow for the correct referencing to the 
Second Edition. For example, the definition sections need to define the 
IEC Standard 62301 as the Second Edition instead of the First Edition. 
Also, there are some section numbering differences in the Second 
Edition which impact the text of the measurement provisions of the 
relevant test procedures.
    DOE further notes that the proposed amendments to the cooking 
products test procedure would retain the references to certain 
provisions of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) which were adopted in 
the March 2011 Interim Final Rule for the purposes of measuring standby 
mode and off mode energy use in microwave ovens. As discussed above, 
the March 2011 Interim Final Rule invited comments on the merits of 
adopting additional provisions of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) 
in the microwave oven test procedure (76 FR 12825, 12833 (March 9, 
2011)), but at this time, DOE has not revised its microwave oven test 
procedure accordingly. Because today's supplemental notice addresses 
such

[[Page 58354]]

energy use for conventional cooking products but not microwave ovens, 
DOE is not proposing to remove or amend the references to the First 
Edition in the cooking products test procedure, which contains both 
types of products, other than to clarify that the First Edition is 
being referenced for microwave ovens rather than the Second Edition. 
DOE's proposal for conventional cooking products, based on relevant 
sections of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) would neither be 
affected by, nor impact, the testing procedures for microwave ovens 
other than section renumbering as appropriate.

B. Technical Corrections

    Due to a transcription error in publication, the December 2010 NOPR 
erroneously specified certain dates in the regulatory text for the 
proposed test procedure amendments. Specifically, the December 2010 
NOPR indicated that representations as to energy use in standby mode 
and off mode for dishwashers, conventional cooking products, and 
dehumidifiers made after May 31, 2011, would have to be based upon the 
proposed amended dishwasher test procedure in 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix C, the amended conventional cooking products test procedure 
in appendix I, and the amended dehumidifier test procedure in appendix 
X. 75 FR 75290, 75324, 75326, 75333 (Dec. 2, 2010). Similarly, the 
compliance date was erroneously specified in the December 2010 NOPR as 
May 31, 2011, in the calculations of dishwasher estimated annual 
operating cost and estimated annual energy use that incorporate 
measures of standby mode and off mode energy use, as proposed for the 
test procedures in 10 CFR 430.23(c). 75 FR 75290, 75321-22 (Dec. 2, 
2010). In each of these instances, the December 2010 NOPR should have 
specified the date as ``180 days after date of publication of the test 
procedure final rule in the Federal Register.'' DOE is proposing to 
make this correction to the dates in today's SNOPR, and clarifies that 
manufacturers would not be subject to a May 31, 2011, deadline for any 
of the products as part of this rulemaking.

C. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements

1. Test Burden
    EPCA requires that ``[a]ny test procedures prescribed or amended 
under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test results 
which measure energy efficiency, energy use * * * or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use * * * and shall not be unduly burdensome to 
conduct.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In the December 2010 NOPR, DOE noted that the proposed amendments 
to the residential dishwasher, dehumidifier, and conventional cooking 
products test procedures would incorporate a test standard that is 
accepted internationally for measuring power consumption in standby 
mode and off mode (IEC Standard 62301). DOE analyzed the available 
versions of IEC Standard 62301 at that time--IEC Standard 62301 (First 
Edition), IEC Standard 62301 (CDV), and IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS)--and 
d