Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to LG from the Department of Energy Residential Clothes Washer Test Procedure, 79666-79669 [2011-32808]
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79666
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices
(6) Annual Estimated Number of
Total Responses: 303;
(7) Annual Estimated Number of
Burden Hours: 6,437;
(8) Annual Estimated Reporting and
Recordkeeping Cost Burden: $0.
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7256; 48 CFR
970.0370–1.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December
16, 2011.
Patrick M. Ferraro,
Acting Director, Office of Procurement and
Assistance Management (OPAM).
[FR Doc. 2011–32806 Filed 12–21–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW–021]
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–021)
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
using an alternate test procedure that
takes their large capacities into account
when measuring energy consumption.
DATES: This Decision and Order is
effective December 22, 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, Email: mail
to: 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: mail to:
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
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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 December
16, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics
U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW–021).
I. Background and Authority
Title III, Part B of the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA),
Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
6309, as codified) established the
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products Other Than
Automobiles, a program covering most
major household appliances, which
includes the residential clothes washers
that are the focus of this notice.1 Part B
includes definitions, test procedures,
labeling provisions, energy conservation
standards, and the authority to require
information and reports from
manufacturers. Further, Part B
authorizes the Secretary of Energy to
prescribe test procedures that are
reasonably designed to produce results
which measure energy efficiency,
energy use, or estimated operating costs,
and that are not unduly burdensome to
conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)). The test
procedure for automatic and semiautomatic clothes washers is 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 from the test
procedure requirements for a particular
basic model for covered consumer
1 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A.
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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://
energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/
documents/LargeCapacityRCW_
guidance_122210.pdf.
II. LG’s Petition for Waiver: Assertions
and Determinations
On October 3, 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. LG requested a
waiver to test specified basic models of
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 published in the
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices
Federal Register on October 18, 2011.
76 FR 64330. 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.
The basic models specified in LG’s
February 2011 petition have capacities
larger than 3.8 cubic feet. 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 April 19,
2011 (76 FR 21879). 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 (Sept. 21, 2010).
DOE has determined that 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 specified Whirlpool’s
clothes washer models with container
capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet. 75
FR 69653 (Nov. 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. This extended Table 5.1 was
set forth in DOE’s September 2010
NOPR. 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 (Mar. 2, 2011)),
LG (76 FR 11233 (Mar. 1, 2011)); (76 FR
21879 (Apr. 19, 2011)) and Samsung (76
FR 13169 (Mar. 10, 2011); 76 FR 50207
(Aug. 12, 2011)).
DOE notes that its supplemental
proposed rule (https://www.eere.energy.
gov/buildings/appliancestandards/
residential/pdfs/rcw_tp_snopr.pdf) to
amend the test procedures for clothes
washers makes slight adjustments to
Table 5.1 to correct for rounding errors.
(76 FR 49238, Aug. 9, 2011). The
alternate test procedure set forth in this
decision and order adopts this updated
table.
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 America, Inc.
(Case No. CW–021) is hereby granted as
set forth in the paragraphs below.
(2) LG shall be required to test and
rate the following LG models according
to the alternate test procedure set forth
in paragraph (3) below.
Model
Brand
WT6001H* .................
WT5170H* .................
WM3470H*** .............
WM4070H*** .............
4153#21# ..................
4154#21# ..................
LG.
LG.
LG.
LG.
Kenmore.
Kenmore.
(3) LG shall be required to test the
products listed in paragraph (2) above
according to the test procedures for
clothes washers prescribed by DOE at 10
CFR part 430, appendix J1, except that
the expanded Table 5.1 below shall be
substituted for Table 5.1 of appendix J1.
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES
Container volume
Minimum load
Maximum load
lb
lb
Average
load
Liter
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cu. ft.
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
≥<
≥<
kg
kg
lb
0–22.7 .......................................................................................
22.7–25.5 ..................................................................................
3.00
3.00
1.36
1.36
3.00
3.50
1.36
1.59
3.00
3.25
1.36
1.47
25.5–28.3 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
3.90
1.77
3.45
1.56
28.3–31.1 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
4.30
1.95
3.65
1.66
31.1–34.0 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
4.70
2.13
3.85
1.75
34.0–36.8 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
5.10
2.31
4.05
1.84
36.8–39.6 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
5.50
2.49
4.25
1.93
39.6–42.5 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
5.90
2.68
4.45
2.02
42.5–45.3 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
6.40
2.90
4.70
2.13
45.3–48.1 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
6.80
3.08
4.90
2.22
48.1–51.0 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
7.20
3.27
5.10
2.31
51.0–53.8 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
7.60
3.45
5.30
2.40
53.8–56.6 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
8.00
3.63
5.50
2.49
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES—Continued
Container volume
Minimum load
Maximum load
lb
lb
Average
load
Liter
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cu. ft.
2.00–
2.10
2.10–
2.20
2.20–
2.30
2.30–
2.40
2.40–
2.50
2.50–
2.60
2.60–
2.70
2.70–
2.80
2.80–
2.90
2.90–
3.00
3.00–
3.10
3.10–
3.20
3.20–
3.30
3.30–
3.40
3.40–
3.50
3.50–
3.60
3.60–
3.70
3.70–
3.80
3.80–
3.90
3.90–
4.00
4.00–
4.10
4.10–
4.20
4.20–
4.30
4.30–
4.40
4.40–
4.50
4.50–
4.60
4.60–
4.70
4.70–
4.80
4.80–
4.90
4.90–
5.00
5.00–
5.10
5.10–
5.20
5.20–
5.30
5.30–
5.40
≥<
≥<
kg
kg
lb
56.6–59.5 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
8.40
3.81
5.70
2.59
59.5–62.3 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
8.80
3.99
5.90
2.68
62.3–65.1 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
9.20
4.17
6.10
2.77
65.1–68.0 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
9.60
4.35
6.30
2.86
68.0–70.8 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
10.00
4.54
6.50
2.95
70.8–73.6 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
10.50
4.76
6.75
3.06
73.6–76.5 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
10.90
4.94
6.95
3.15
76.5–79.3 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
11.30
5.13
7.15
3.24
79.3–82.1 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
11.70
5.31
7.35
3.33
82.1–85.0 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
12.10
5.49
7.55
3.42
85.0–87.8 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
12.50
5.67
7.75
3.52
87.8–90.6 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
12.90
5.85
7.95
3.61
90.6–93.4 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
13.30
6.03
8.15
3.70
93.4–96.3 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
13.70
6.21
8.35
3.79
96.3–99.1 ..................................................................................
3.00
1.36
14.10
6.40
8.55
3.88
99.1–101.9 ................................................................................
3.00
1.36
14.60
6.62
8.80
3.99
101.9–104.8 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
15.00
6.80
9.00
4.08
104.8–107.6 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
15.40
6.99
9.20
4.17
107.6–110.4 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
15.80
7.16
9.40
4.26
110.4–113.3 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
16.20
7.34
9.60
4.35
113.3–116.1 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
16.60
7.53
9.80
4.45
116.1–118.9 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
17.00
7.72
10.00
4.54
118.9–121.8 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
17.40
7.90
10.20
4.63
121.8–124.6 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
17.80
8.09
10.40
4.72
124.6–127.4 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
18.20
8.27
10.60
4.82
127.4–130.3 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
18.70
8.46
10.85
4.91
130.3–133.1 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
19.10
8.65
11.05
5.00
133.1–135.9 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
19.50
8.83
11.25
5.10
135.9–138.8 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
19.90
9.02
11.45
5.19
138.8–141.6 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
20.30
9.20
11.65
5.28
141.6–144.4 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
20.70
9.39
11.85
5.38
144.4–147.2 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
21.10
9.58
12.05
5.47
147.2–150.1 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
21.50
9.76
12.25
5.56
150.1–152.9 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
21.90
9.95
12.45
5.65
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 246 / Thursday, December 22, 2011 / Notices
TABLE 5.1—TEST LOAD SIZES—Continued
Container volume
Minimum load
Maximum load
lb
kg
lb
kg
Average
load
Liter
cu. ft.
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
152.9–155.7 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
22.30
10.13
12.65
5.75
155.7–158.6 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
22.80
10.32
12.90
5.84
158.6–161.4 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
23.20
10.51
13.10
5.93
161.4–164.2 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
23.60
10.69
13.30
6.03
164.2–167.1 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
24.00
10.88
13.50
6.12
167.1–169.9 ..............................................................................
3.00
1.36
24.40
11.06
13.70
6.21
NOTES: (1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are ±0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
(4) Representations. LG may make
representations about the energy use of
its clothes washer products for
compliance, marketing, or other
purposes only to the extent that such
products have been tested in accordance
with the provisions outlined above and
such representations fairly disclose the
results of such testing.
(5) This waiver shall remain in effect
consistent with the provisions of 10 CFR
430.27(m).
(6) This waiver is issued on the
condition that the statements,
representations, and documentary
materials provided by the petitioner are
valid. DOE may revoke or modify this
waiver at any time if it determines the
factual basis underlying the petition for
waiver is incorrect, or the results from
the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of the basic models’
true energy consumption characteristics.
(7) This waiver applies only to those
basic models set out in LG’s October 3,
2011 petition for waiver. Grant of this
waiver does not release a petitioner
from the certification requirements set
forth at 10 CFR part 429.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December
16, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. CP12–24–000]
ANR Pipeline Company; Notice of
Application for Abandonment
Take notice that on December 5, 2011,
ANR Pipeline Company (ANR), 717
Texas Street, Houston, Texas 77002–
2761, filed with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission an application
under section 7(b) of the Natural Gas
Act seeking authority to abandon its
present and any future obligation to
perform transportation service through
approximately 8.5 miles of 20-inch
pipeline extending from High Island
Block A–531 to High Island Block A–
555, located in federal waters, offshore
Texas, all as more fully set forth in the
application which is on file with the
Commission and open to public
inspection. This filing is available for
review at the Commission in the Public
Reference Room or may be viewed on
the Commission’s Web site web at
https://www.ferc.gov using the
‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket
number excluding the last three digits in
the docket number field to access the
document. For assistance, contact FERC
at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or call
toll-free, (886) 208–3676 or TYY, (202)
502–8659.
Any questions regarding the
application should be directed to Rene
Staeb, Manager, Project Determinations
& Regulatory Administration, ANR
Pipeline Company, 717 Texas Street,
Houston, Texas 77002–2761, or
telephone (832) 320–5215 or fax (832)
320–6215 or by email
Rene_Staeb@transcanada.com.
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Pursuant to section 157.9 of the
Commission’s rules, 18 CFR 157.9,
within 90 days of this Notice the
Commission staff will either: Complete
its environmental assessment (EA) and
place it into the Commission’s public
record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or
issue a Notice of Schedule for
Environmental Review. If a Notice of
Schedule for Environmental Review is
issued, it will indicate, among other
milestones, the anticipated date for the
Commission staff’s issuance of the final
environmental impact statement (FEIS)
or EA for this proposal. The filing of the
EA in the Commission’s public record
for this proceeding or the issuance of a
Notice of Schedule for Environmental
Review will serve to notify federal and
state agencies of the timing for the
completion of all necessary reviews, and
the subsequent need to complete all
federal authorizations within 90 days of
the date of issuance of the Commission
staff’s FEIS or EA.
There are two ways to become
involved in the Commission’s review of
this project. First, any person wishing to
obtain legal status by becoming a party
to the proceedings for this project
should, on or before the comment date
stated below file with the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426,
a motion to intervene in accordance
with the requirements of the
Commission’s Rules of Practice and
Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211)
and the Regulations under the NGA (18
CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party
status will be placed on the service list
maintained by the Secretary of the
Commission and will receive copies of
all documents filed by the applicant and
by all other parties. A party must submit
seven copies of filings made in the
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 246 (Thursday, December 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79666-79669]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32808]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[Case No. CW-021]
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.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of the
decision and order (Case No. CW-021) 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
using an alternate test procedure that takes their large capacities
into account when measuring energy consumption.
DATES: This Decision and Order is effective December 22, 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, Email: mail to: 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: mail to:
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 December 16, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
Decision and Order
In the Matter of: LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (Case No. CW-021).
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.
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\1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was re-designated Part A.
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DOE's regulations for covered products contain provisions allowing
a person to seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements for a
particular basic model 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://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/LargeCapacityRCW_guidance_122210.pdf.
II. LG's Petition for Waiver: Assertions and Determinations
On October 3, 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. LG requested a waiver to test
specified basic models of 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
published in the
[[Page 79667]]
Federal Register on October 18, 2011. 76 FR 64330. 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. The basic models specified in LG's
February 2011 petition have capacities larger than 3.8 cubic feet. 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 April
19, 2011 (76 FR 21879). 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 (Sept. 21, 2010).
DOE has determined that 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 specified Whirlpool's clothes washer models with
container capacities greater than 3.8 cubic feet. 75 FR 69653 (Nov. 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. This extended Table 5.1 was set forth in DOE's
September 2010 NOPR. 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 (Mar. 2, 2011)), LG (76 FR 11233 (Mar. 1, 2011)); (76 FR 21879
(Apr. 19, 2011)) and Samsung (76 FR 13169 (Mar. 10, 2011); 76 FR 50207
(Aug. 12, 2011)).
DOE notes that its supplemental proposed rule (https://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliancestandards/residential/pdfs/rcw_tp_snopr.pdf) to amend the test procedures for clothes washers makes
slight adjustments to Table 5.1 to correct for rounding errors. (76 FR
49238, Aug. 9, 2011). The alternate test procedure set forth in this
decision and order adopts this updated table.
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
America, Inc. (Case No. CW-021) is hereby granted as set forth in the
paragraphs below.
(2) LG shall be required to test and rate the following LG models
according to the alternate test procedure set forth in paragraph (3)
below.
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Model Brand
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WT6001H*.................................. LG.
WT5170H*.................................. LG.
WM3470H***................................ LG.
WM4070H***................................ LG.
415321.................. Kenmore.
415421.................. 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 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
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Liter
cu. ft. ------------------------------------- lb kg lb kg lb
>= < >= <
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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
[[Page 79668]]
2.00-2.10 56.6-59.5............... 3.00 1.36 8.40 3.81 5.70 2.59
2.10-2.20 59.5-62.3............... 3.00 1.36 8.80 3.99 5.90 2.68
2.20-2.30 62.3-65.1............... 3.00 1.36 9.20 4.17 6.10 2.77
2.30-2.40 65.1-68.0............... 3.00 1.36 9.60 4.35 6.30 2.86
2.40-2.50 68.0-70.8............... 3.00 1.36 10.00 4.54 6.50 2.95
2.50-2.60 70.8-73.6............... 3.00 1.36 10.50 4.76 6.75 3.06
2.60-2.70 73.6-76.5............... 3.00 1.36 10.90 4.94 6.95 3.15
2.70-2.80 76.5-79.3............... 3.00 1.36 11.30 5.13 7.15 3.24
2.80-2.90 79.3-82.1............... 3.00 1.36 11.70 5.31 7.35 3.33
2.90-3.00 82.1-85.0............... 3.00 1.36 12.10 5.49 7.55 3.42
3.00-3.10 85.0-87.8............... 3.00 1.36 12.50 5.67 7.75 3.52
3.10-3.20 87.8-90.6............... 3.00 1.36 12.90 5.85 7.95 3.61
3.20-3.30 90.6-93.4............... 3.00 1.36 13.30 6.03 8.15 3.70
3.30-3.40 93.4-96.3............... 3.00 1.36 13.70 6.21 8.35 3.79
3.40-3.50 96.3-99.1............... 3.00 1.36 14.10 6.40 8.55 3.88
3.50-3.60 99.1-101.9.............. 3.00 1.36 14.60 6.62 8.80 3.99
3.60-3.70 101.9-104.8............. 3.00 1.36 15.00 6.80 9.00 4.08
3.70-3.80 104.8-107.6............. 3.00 1.36 15.40 6.99 9.20 4.17
3.80-3.90 107.6-110.4............. 3.00 1.36 15.80 7.16 9.40 4.26
3.90-4.00 110.4-113.3............. 3.00 1.36 16.20 7.34 9.60 4.35
4.00-4.10 113.3-116.1............. 3.00 1.36 16.60 7.53 9.80 4.45
4.10-4.20 116.1-118.9............. 3.00 1.36 17.00 7.72 10.00 4.54
4.20-4.30 118.9-121.8............. 3.00 1.36 17.40 7.90 10.20 4.63
4.30-4.40 121.8-124.6............. 3.00 1.36 17.80 8.09 10.40 4.72
4.40-4.50 124.6-127.4............. 3.00 1.36 18.20 8.27 10.60 4.82
4.50-4.60 127.4-130.3............. 3.00 1.36 18.70 8.46 10.85 4.91
4.60-4.70 130.3-133.1............. 3.00 1.36 19.10 8.65 11.05 5.00
4.70-4.80 133.1-135.9............. 3.00 1.36 19.50 8.83 11.25 5.10
4.80-4.90 135.9-138.8............. 3.00 1.36 19.90 9.02 11.45 5.19
4.90-5.00 138.8-141.6............. 3.00 1.36 20.30 9.20 11.65 5.28
5.00-5.10 141.6-144.4............. 3.00 1.36 20.70 9.39 11.85 5.38
5.10-5.20 144.4-147.2............. 3.00 1.36 21.10 9.58 12.05 5.47
5.20-5.30 147.2-150.1............. 3.00 1.36 21.50 9.76 12.25 5.56
5.30-5.40 150.1-152.9............. 3.00 1.36 21.90 9.95 12.45 5.65
[[Page 79669]]
5.40-5.50 152.9-155.7............. 3.00 1.36 22.30 10.13 12.65 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
October 3, 2011 petition for waiver. Grant of this waiver does not
release a petitioner from the certification requirements set forth at
10 CFR part 429.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 16, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011-32808 Filed 12-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
