Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens, 28805-28819 [2012-11730]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules collection techniques or other forms of information technology; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). Estimate of burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.355921499 hours per response. Respondents: Retailers and wholesalers of pet animals. Estimated annual number of respondents: 1,500. Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 28.50066667. Estimated annual number of responses: 42,751. Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 15,216 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.) Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Mrs. Celeste Sickles, APHIS’ Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 851–2908. List of Subjects in 9 CFR Parts 1 and 2 Animal welfare, Pets, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research. Accordingly, we propose to amend 9 CFR parts 1 and 2 as follows: PART 1—DEFINITION OF TERMS 1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7. 2. In § 1.1, the definition of dealer and the introductory text of the definition of retail pet store are revised to read as follows: § 1.1 Definitions. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * Dealer means any person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit, delivers for transportation, or transports, except as a carrier, buys, or sells, or negotiates the purchase or sale of: Any dog or other animal whether alive or dead (including unborn animals, organs, limbs, blood, serum, or other parts) for research, teaching, testing, experimentation, exhibition, or for use as a pet; or any dog at the wholesale level for hunting, security, or breeding purposes. This term does not include: A retail pet store, as defined in this section; any retail outlet where dogs are sold for hunting, breeding, or security purposes; or any person who does not sell or negotiate the purchase or sale of any wild or exotic animal, dog, or cat and who derives no more than $500 gross income from the sale of animals other than wild or exotic animals, dogs, or cats during any calendar year. * * * * * VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 Retail pet store means a place of business or residence that each buyer physically enters in order to personally observe the animals available for sale prior to purchase and/or to take custody of the animals after purchase, and where only the following animals are sold or offered for sale, at retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, gophers, chinchilla, domestic ferrets, domestic farm animals, birds, and coldblooded species. A retail pet store also includes any person who meets the criteria in § 2.1(a)(3)(iii) of this subchapter. Such definition excludes— * * * * * PART 2—REGULATIONS 3. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows: Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131–2159; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.7. 4. Section 2.1 is amended as follows: a. By revising paragraph (a)(3)(i) to read as set forth below. b. In paragraph (a)(3)(ii), by removing the words ‘‘to a research facility, an exhibitor, a dealer, or a pet store’’. c. In paragraph (a)(3)(iii), in the first sentence, by removing the words ‘‘three (3)’’ and adding the word ‘‘four’’ in their place, and in the second sentence, by removing the word ‘‘three’’ each of the three times it appears and adding the word ‘‘four’’ in its place. d. By removing paragraph (a)(3)(vii) and redesignating paragraph (a)(3)(viii) as paragraph (a)(3)(vii). § 2.1 Requirements and application. * * * * * (a) * * * (3) * * * (i) Retail pet stores as defined in part 1 of this subchapter; * * * * * Done in Washington, DC, this 10th day of May 2012. Edward Avalos, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. 2012–11839 Filed 5–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28805 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Parts 429 and 430 [Docket No. EERE–2008–BT–TP–0011] RIN 1904–AB78 Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: On November 23, 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend the test procedures for microwave ovens. That SNOPR proposed amendments to the DOE test procedure to incorporate provisions from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 62301, ‘‘Household electrical appliances—Measurement of standby power,’’ Edition 2.0 2011–01 (IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)). Today’s SNOPR proposes additional provisions for measuring the standby mode and off mode energy use of products that combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality, as well as minor technical clarifications. DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this SNOPR submitted no later than June 15, 2012. See section V, ‘‘Public Participation,’’ for details. ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR on Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens, and provide docket number EERE–2008– BT–TP–0011 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904–AB78. Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods: 1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. 2. Email: MicroOven-2008-TP0011@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number EERE–2008–BT–TP–0011 and/ or RIN 1904–AB78 in the subject line of the message. 3. 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, 6th Floor, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28806 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. 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 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 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=EERE2008-BT-TP-0011. This web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit comments through 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 email: Brenda.Edwards@ee. doe.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wes Anderson, 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. Email: wes. anderson@ee.doe.gov. Mr. Ari Altman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–6307. Email: ari. altman@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Table of Contents I. Authority and Background II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking III. Discussion A. Products Covered by this Test Procedure Rulemaking 1. Microwave/Conventional Ranges 2. Microwave/Conventional Ovens 3. Other Combined Products B. Effective Date for the Test Procedure and Date on Which Use of the Test Procedure Will Be Required VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 C. Specifications for the Test Methods and Measurements for Combined Products D. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review V. Public Participation A. Submission of Comments B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary I. Authority and Background Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ‘‘EPCA’’ or, ‘‘the Act’’) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110–140 (Dec. 19, 2007)). Part B of title III, which for editorial reasons was redesignated as Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 6291–6309), establishes the ‘‘Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.’’ These include microwave ovens, the subject of today’s notice. (42 U.S.C. 6291(1)–(2) and 6292(a)(10)) Under EPCA, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) 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 the applicable energy conservation standards adopted under EPCA, and (2) for making representations about the efficiency of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test requirements to determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated under EPCA. 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 any test procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test results that 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 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. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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)). 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.’’ 1 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) (IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition)) and IEC Standard 62087 (Second Edition 2008–09). 1 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. E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules DOE Microwave Oven Test Procedure DOE’s test procedure for microwave ovens is codified at appendix I to subpart B of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The test procedure was established in an October 3, 1997 final rule that addressed active mode energy use only. 62 FR 51976. To address standby mode and off mode energy use, DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on October 17, 2008 (hereafter referred to as the October 2008 TP NOPR), in which it proposed incorporating provisions from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) into the DOE active mode test procedure, as well as language to clarify application of these provisions for measuring standby mode and off mode power in microwave ovens. 73 FR 62134. DOE held a public meeting on November 14, 2008 (hereafter referred to as the November 2008 public meeting) to hear oral comments on and solicit information relevant to the October 2008 TP NOPR. Interested parties remarked upon, among other things, harmonization of standards and test procedures with those of other countries and international agencies. In particular commenters urged DOE to consider IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) (or ‘‘Second Edition’’), which was in the process of being drafted. EPCA requires DOE to consider the most recent version of IEC Standard 62301. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) After the October 2008 TP NOPR was published, DOE determined that it would consider the revised version of IEC Standard 62301, (i.e., IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)), in the microwave oven test procedure rulemaking. DOE anticipated, based on review of drafts of the updated IEC Standard 62301, that the revisions could include different mode definitions. The revised version was expected in July 2009. IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) was not published, however, until January 27, 2011. In order to ensure that DOE could establish test procedures for standby mode and off mode by March 31, 2011, as required by the EISA 2007 amendments to EPCA, DOE published an SNOPR on July 22, 2010 (hereafter referred to as the July 2010 TP SNOPR) proposing mode definitions based on those in the then current draft version of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), designated as IEC Standard 62301 Second Edition, Committee Draft for Vote (IEC Standard 62301 (CDV)). 75 FR 42612, 42620–23 (July 22, 2010). DOE noted in the July 2010 TP SNOPR that IEC Standard 62301 (CDV) contained proposed amendments to IEC Standard VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 62301 (First Edition), including new mode definitions based on those proposed in IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), Committee Draft 2 (IEC Standard 62301 (CD2)) 2 and which addressed comments received by interested parties in response to IEC Standard 62301 (CD2). As a result of this continued refinement on the basis of public comment to IEC during its test standards development process, DOE stated that it believed that those most recent mode definitions represented the best definitions available for the analysis in support of this rulemaking. 75 FR 42612, 42621. DOE held a public meeting on September 16, 2010 (hereafter referred to as the September 2010 public meeting), to hear oral comments on and solicit information relevant to the July 2010 TP SNOPR. Interested parties remarked upon, among other things, covered products, incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), mode definitions, and testing procedures. On October 29, 2010, the IEC released a finalized draft version of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS). On March 9, 2011, DOE published an interim final rule (hereafter referred to as the March 2011 Interim Final Rule) amending the test procedures for microwave ovens. 76 FR 12825. The March 2011 Interim Final Rule incorporated by reference specific clauses from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) regarding test conditions and testing procedures for measuring the average standby mode and average off mode power consumption into the microwave oven test procedure. DOE also incorporated into the microwave oven test procedure definitions of ‘‘active mode,’’ ‘‘standby mode,’’ and ‘‘off mode’’ based on the definitions provided in IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS). DOE further adopted language to clarify the application of clauses from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for measuring standby mode and off mode power in the March 2011 Interim Final rule. Specifically, DOE defined the test duration for cases in which the measured power is not stable (i.e., varies over a cycle), recognizing that the power consumption of microwave oven displays can vary based on the displayed clock time. 76 FR 12825, 12828. The amendments adopted in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule became effective on April 8, 2011. However, DOE noted that in order to ensure that the amended test procedure adequately 2 IEC Standard 62301 (CD2) was the draft version immediately preceding IEC Standard 62301 (CDV). PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28807 addresses the EISA 2007 requirement to consider the most recent version of IEC Standard 62301, and recognizing that the IEC issued IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) in January of 2011, DOE issued the microwave oven test procedure as an interim final rule and offered an additional 180-day comment period to consider whether any changes should be made to the interim final rule in light of publication of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). DOE stated that it would consider these comments and, to the extent necessary, publish a final rulemaking incorporating any changes. 76 FR 12825, 12830–31. In response to the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, interested parties commented that, among other things, DOE should incorporate by reference IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) for optimal international harmonization, to give clarity and consistency to the regulated community and to decrease the testing burden. Based upon the public comment, DOE decided to further analyze IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). DOE reviewed this latest version of the IEC standard and believes that it improves some measurements of standby mode and off mode energy use. Accordingly, DOE published a second SNOPR on November 23, 2011 (hereafter referred to as the November 2011 TP SNOPR), proposing to incorporate certain provisions of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), along with clarifying language, into the DOE test procedures for microwave ovens adopted in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule. In addition, DOE proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR to make minor editorial changes in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix I, section 2.2.1.1 to aid the reader by presenting the electrical supply voltages consistently for microwave ovens and conventional cooking products, and also in section 1.12 to clarify the alternative use of metric units for various measurements and calculations in the conventional cooking products test procedure. 76 FR 72331 (Nov. 23, 2011). II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking In the course of reviewing comments on the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE determined that an additional SNOPR would be necessary before moving to a final rule. As discussed in section I, DOE published the March 2011 Interim Final Rule to provide an opportunity for it to fully consider whether any changes should be made in light of publication of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). Based upon the public comment received on the March 2011 Interim E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 28808 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules Final Rule, DOE analyzed IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) for the November 2011 TP SNOPR. Today’s SNOPR addresses comments received on the November 2011 TP SNOPR regarding coverage of additional microwave oven product types in the DOE test procedure. Comments on other topics received in response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR will be addressed in the subsequent final rule. In today’s SNOPR, DOE proposes that for products combining a microwave oven with other appliance functionality (i.e., a product with a compartment incorporating microwave capability and one or more other components or appliance features that provide different functionality), the compartment incorporating microwave cooking would be considered a covered product under the definition of a microwave oven at 10 CFR 430.2. DOE is therefore proposing in today’s SNOPR provisions that would apportion the overall standby mode and off mode power in such ‘‘combined products’’ among the microwave oven component and other components, and thus would determine the portion of the standby mode and off mode power associated specifically with the microwave oven component. For certain combined products that contain a microwave oven as one of its functional components, DOE is proposing specific values by which to apportion the standby mode and off mode power. However, the proposed amendments would allow a manufacturer, upon submission of suitable supporting information to DOE, to use alternate apportionment values for such combined products. Manufacturers of combined products for which specific apportionment values are not provided in the test procedure would also be required to submit information as to the appropriate values for their products. In addition, the proposed amendments in today’s SNOPR would make minor editorial changes in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix I, section 2.2.1.1 to aid the reader by presenting the electrical supply voltages consistently for microwave ovens and conventional cooking products, and also in newly designated section 1.12 to clarify the alternative use of metric units for various measurements and calculations in the definition of a standard cubic foot of gas for the conventional cooking products test procedure. For the reader’s convenience, DOE has reproduced in this SNOPR the amendments proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, further amended as appropriate according to today’s proposal. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 As noted above, EPCA requires that DOE determine whether a proposed test procedure amendment would alter the measured efficiency of a product, thereby requiring adjustment of existing standards. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)) Because there are currently no Federal energy conservation standards for microwave ovens (including standards for energy use in the standby and off modes), such requirement does not apply to this rulemaking. DOE is conducting a concurrent rulemaking process to consider standby and off mode energy conservation standards and will consider whether this test procedure alters the measured efficiency as any standards are developed. III. Discussion A. Products Covered by This Test Procedure Rulemaking DOE defines ‘‘microwave oven’’ as a class of kitchen ranges and ovens which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a compartment designed to cook or heat food by means of microwave energy. 10 CFR 430.2 In the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE determined that this regulatory definition includes all ovens equipped with microwave capability, including convection microwave ovens (i.e., microwave ovens that incorporate convection features and possibly other means of cooking) because they are capable of cooking or heating food by means of microwave energy. 76 FR 12825, 12828–30 (March 9, 2011). Note that in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE referred to such a product as a ‘‘combination oven’’. There is some confusion, however, among interested parties as to whether the convection features are required to be incorporated in the same cavity as the microwave capability. Further, in today’s SNOPR, DOE proposes that the regulatory definition of microwave oven also includes all products that combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality. To aid in distinguishing such other ‘‘combined products’’ from the type of microwave oven that incorporates convection features and any other means of cooking, DOE proposes in today’s SNOPR to use the term ‘‘convection microwave oven’’ to more accurately describe the latter, and to provide a definition of convection microwave oven in 10 CFR 430.2. In this definition, DOE would clarify that the microwave capability, convection features, and any other cooking means are incorporated in a single cavity. As established in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, the test procedure does not currently apply to the type of PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 cooking appliance classified by DOE regulations as a microwave/ conventional range, which has separate compartments or components consisting of a microwave oven, a conventional oven, and a conventional cooking top. 76 FR 12825, 12830 (March 9, 2011). However, in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE’s determination of products covered under this test procedure rulemaking did not specifically consider other combined products that could contain a microwave oven as one of its functional components. In response to the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, interested parties commented that the determination of covered products in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule is overly broad and unclear as to whether ranges with microwave capability would be included as covered products. Comments from interested parties further urged DOE to exclude a combined product consisting of a microwave oven, refrigerator/freezer, and two charging stations as a covered product for the DOE microwave oven test procedure. 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011). DOE determined that it would consider further the comments regarding combined products in today’s SNOPR. The following sections present DOE’s initial proposals from the November 2011 TP SNOPR, discussion of comments from interested parties, and DOE’s updated proposal for each category of product that combines a microwave oven with other appliance functionality. 1. Microwave/Conventional Ranges In the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE noted that 10 CFR 430.2 additionally defines a microwave/ conventional range as a class of kitchen ranges and ovens (distinct from a microwave oven) which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven, a conventional oven, and conventional cooking top. Because DOE asserted in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule that the test procedure applies only to microwave ovens and not to microwave/conventional ranges, DOE reiterated in the November 2011 TP SNOPR the determination it made in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule that a free-standing range with microwave capability in one compartment and a conventional oven in a separate compartment would not be a covered product under this rulemaking. Additionally, DOE proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR that a range incorporating a single compartment with microwave capability and other E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules cooking or heating means, along with a conventional cooking top, would not be considered a covered product because the cooking top portion would exclude the range from the relevant portion of the definition of ‘‘microwave oven’’ (e.g., a compartment designed to cook or heat food by means of microwave energy.) 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011). In response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR, Whirlpool Corporation (Whirlpool) commented that it agreed that microwave/conventional ranges should not be considered covered products, but that this exclusion should not be limited to free-standing ranges. Whirlpool stated that other installation configurations, such as built-in products, should also be considered covered products. (Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1) 3 In considering Whirlpool’s comment, DOE believes that the definition of ‘‘microwave/conventional range’’ hinges on the appliance functionality provided by each of the components (i.e., microwave cooking, cooking in a conventional oven, and cooking on a conventional cooking top), rather than the installation configuration. Thus, DOE clarifies that an appliance need not be free-standing to be covered as a microwave/conventional range. DOE also notes that the definition of ‘‘microwave oven’’ includes a compartment that may heat food by means of electric resistance heating as well as by microwave energy, thereby providing the cooking function of a conventional oven. As a result, DOE believes that products covered under this rulemaking should include products that consist of a microwave oven, conventional oven, and conventional cooking top, as well as those products that consist only of a microwave oven and a conventional cooking top. DOE, therefore, proposes in today’s SNOPR to add a definition of ‘‘microwave/conventional cooking top’’ in 10 CFR 430.2 to state that it is a class of kitchen ranges and ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a conventional cooking top. DOE also proposes to clarify in the definition of microwave/ conventional range that the microwave oven and conventional oven are incorporated as separate compartments. 3 A notation in the form ‘‘Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1’’ identifies a written comment: (1) Made by Whirlpool Corporation; (2) recorded in document number 33 that is filed in the docket of the microwave oven test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE–2008–BT–TP–0011) and available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears on page 1 of document number 33. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 Because a microwave/conventional range or microwave/conventional cooking top contains a microwave oven as one of its functional components, DOE now proposes that the microwave oven component of these products would meet the statutory requirements as a covered product for the purposes of measuring standby mode and off mode energy use under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(B)(vi)) DOE acknowledges that it had proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR that a microwave/ conventional range should be excluded as a covered product on the basis of a regulatory definition separate from that of a microwave oven, but has reconsidered that position because it does not believe that the presence of additional appliance functionality would eliminate the statutory requirement to evaluate standby mode and off mode energy use in the microwave oven component. 2. Microwave/Conventional Ovens The regulatory definition of ‘‘conventional oven’’ is ‘‘a class of kitchen ranges and ovens which is a household cooking appliance consisting of one or more compartments intended for the cooking or heating of food by means of either a gas flame or electric resistance heating. It does not include portable or countertop ovens which use electric resistance heating for the cooking or heating of food and are designed for an electrical supply of approximately 120 volts.’’ 10 CFR 430.2 Because this definition does not provide for the option of cooking or heating food by means of microwave energy, DOE concluded in the November 2011 TP SNOPR that a product comprising a single compartment that uses both radiant heat and microwave energy for cooking would be covered only under the definition of ‘‘microwave oven,’’ which includes convection microwave ovens 4 (including those with radiant heating elements) regardless of which is considered the primary cooking mode, and would not be covered as a conventional cooking product. 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011). In the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE acknowledged that the definition of ‘‘microwave oven’’ considers only a single compartment, while the definition of ‘‘conventional oven’’ allows for the possibility of one or more compartments. DOE believes that, for 4 In previous stages of this rulemaking, DOE referred to microwave ovens which incorporate convection features and any other means of cooking as a combination microwave oven. As discussed earlier in the section, DOE is now referring to such products as convection microwave ovens, and is using this terminology in today’s SNOPR for clarity. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28809 products that consist of multiple oven compartments but no integral cooking top portion, the compartment(s) that provide for cooking by means of microwave energy and any other cooking or heating means would be classified as microwave ovens, while the compartment(s) that cook or heat food by means of a gas flame or electric resistance heating without the use of microwave energy would be classified as conventional ovens. Id. at 72336–37. DOE did not provide specific methodology for such a ‘‘microwave/ conventional oven’’ in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, but noted that its regulations contain certain provisions allowing a manufacturer to seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered consumer products if at least one of the following conditions is met: (1) The petitioner’s basic model contains one or more design characteristics that prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) the 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). In response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR, Whirlpool stated that a cooking product with two separate compartments, one of which has microwave capability and the other which is a conventional oven, but with a single control panel, should be classified as either a microwave oven or a conventional oven. In Whirlpool’s opinion, such a product should not be classified as a microwave oven because proprietary market research that it submitted to DOE demonstrates that the product is primarily used for conventional cooking. According to Whirlpool, the data show that the annual microwave oven energy use is 10 percent of the annual energy used by the conventional oven. Therefore, Whirlpool commented that the primary use under which the product should be tested is as a conventional oven. Whirlpool further commented that products with two compartments that can operate independently should have each compartment considered separately, with each compartment classified by its cooking energy source. (Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1) As discussed above, DOE reiterates its determination from the November 2011 TP SNOPR that the compartment(s) of a microwave/conventional oven that provide for cooking by means of microwave energy and any other cooking or heating means would be classified as microwave ovens, while E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 28810 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules the compartment(s) that cook or heat food by means of a gas flame or electric resistance heating without the use of microwave energy would be classified as conventional ovens. In considering this issue further, DOE believes that a cooking product with two separate compartments, one of which has microwave capability and the other which is a conventional oven, should be considered a covered product in this rulemaking, and for clarity and consistency with the existing regulatory definition of microwave/conventional range, proposes to add a definition in 10 CFR 430.2 of a ‘‘microwave/ conventional oven’’ as a class of kitchen ranges and ovens which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments. DOE does not agree with Whirlpool’s comment that microwave/conventional ovens with a single control panel should be classified as a conventional oven. DOE believes that for both microwave/ conventional ovens with a single control panel and those with functional components that can operate independently, the microwave oven component would be considered a covered product under this rulemaking. As discussed in section III.C, DOE is proposing specific values by which to apportion the standby mode and off mode power for these combined products, regardless of whether such products use a single control panel or can be operated independently. For the same reasons as discussed above for microwave/conventional ranges and microwave/conventional cooking tops, DOE believes that the microwave oven component of a microwave/conventional oven would meet the statutory requirements as a covered product for the purposes of measuring standby mode and off mode energy use under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(B)(vi)) DOE tentatively concludes that the test procedure should only measure the standby mode and off mode energy use associated with the microwave oven portion of combined products, and for that reason the proposed amendments do not require any determination as to which appliance function of a combined product with a microwave oven component represents the primary usage of the product. 3. Other Combined Products Consistent with its determination for microwave/conventional ranges, microwave conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ovens, DOE further proposes that for all other products combining a microwave oven VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 with other components providing appliance functionality, such as a microwave/refrigerator-freezer/charging station, the portion of the combined product which meets the definition of a microwave oven or convection microwave oven under 10 CFR 430.2 would be a covered product under the microwave oven test procedure. The methodology by which DOE proposes to measure the standby mode and off mode energy use of all combined products is discussed in section III.C of today’s SNOPR. B. Effective Date for the Test Procedure and Date on Which Use of the Test Procedure Will Be Required The effective date of the standby and off mode test procedures for microwave ovens would be 30 days after the date of publication of the final rule. DOE’s amended test procedure regulations codified in the CFR would clarify, though, that the procedures and calculations adopted in the final rule need not be performed to determine compliance with energy conservation standards until compliance with any final rule establishing amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens in standby mode and off mode is required. However, as of 180 days after publication of the final rule, any representations as to the standby mode and off mode energy consumption of the products that are the subject of this rulemaking will need to be based upon results generated under the applicable provisions of this test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2)) C. Specifications for the Test Methods and Measurements for Combined Products As discussed above in section III.A, DOE has determined that for products combining a microwave oven with other appliance functionality, the compartment incorporating microwave cooking capability would be considered to meet the definition of a microwave oven at 10 CFR 430.2. As a result, DOE is proposing in today’s SNOPR testing procedures specifically for such combined products. In particular, DOE proposes that the standby mode and off mode power for combined products be measured according to the same methodology proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR for microwave ovens; i.e., according to the provisions incorporated from IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), except in the case in which standby mode power consumption varies as a function of displayed time. In that case, the standby mode power would be measured for the entire product according to the method PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 outlined in the November 2011 TP SNOPR. To determine the standby mode and off mode power associated with the microwave oven portion only, apportionment factors representing the fractional contribution of the microwave oven portion to the total standby mode and off mode power consumption would be multiplied by the overall standby mode and off mode power measurements. DOE further proposes specific standby mode apportionment factors for products that incorporate microwave ovens and conventional cooking products, based on the following testing and analysis. DOE measured the standby power of a representative sample of four conventional electric cooking tops, nine conventional built-in electric ovens, three conventional builtin gas ovens, eight over-the-range microwave-only ovens, and ten overthe-range convection microwave ovens, using today’s proposed methodology. DOE selected over-the-range units as most representative of microwave ovens that would be incorporated in combined products. For each product type, DOE determined the average standby power, which includes the power consumption of the display as well as other components. DOE then determined the average standby power associated with the display only, using teardowns and component testing of a subsample of five of the convection microwave ovens. DOE believes that the complexity of the convection microwave oven displays would more closely approximate the displays of microwave/conventional ranges, microwave/conventional ovens, and other combined products than microwave-only units due to the multiple cooking modes of convection microwave units. The subsample included both vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs) and touchscreen liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and the standby power associated with the displays were observed to range from 0.75 to 1.96 watts (W), with an average of 1.41 W, as shown in Table 1. TABLE 1—AVERAGE DISPLAY STANDBY POWER FOR BUILT-IN AND OVERTHE-RANGE CONVECTION MICROWAVE OVENS Configuration Over-the-Range Over-the-Range Over-the-Range Over-the-Range Over-the-Range E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 Display type LCD LCD VFD VFD VFD with Touch with Touch .................. .................. .................. Display standby power (W) 1.88 1.96 0.75 1.38 1.10 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules For the full sample of conventional TABLE 1—AVERAGE DISPLAY STANDBY POWER FOR BUILT-IN AND OVER- ovens and microwave ovens, the average THE-RANGE CONVECTION MICRO- display standby power was subtracted from the average total standby power to WAVE OVENS—Continued Configuration Display standby power (W) Display type Average ..... .......................... 1.41 obtain the standby power associated with components other than the display that would be attributed to the functionality of that particular product. No displays were incorporated in the cooking tops tested, and thus no display standby power was subtracted from the 28811 average for those products. Table 2 summarizes the average overall standby power measured for each product type, and, for conventional ovens and microwave ovens, the portion of that average that corresponds to components other than the display. TABLE 2—AVERAGE STANDBY POWER FOR CONVENTIONAL COOKING TOP, CONVENTIONAL OVENS, AND MICROWAVE OVENS WITH AND WITHOUT A DISPLAY Conventional cooking top Test unit Unit Unit Unit Unit 1 2 3 4 Conventional oven Standby power (W) ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... 2.99 0.60 2.36 1.53 Average .................................. Average Without Display ....... 1.87 1.87 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS To obtain specific standby power apportionment factors for microwave/ conventional ranges, DOE estimated Overall Standby Power = (Microwave Oven Standby Power without Display) + (Conventional Cooking Top Standby Power without Display) + (Conventional Oven Standby Power without Display) + (Display Standby Power). Because the display typically includes features such as a clock and timer, which can provide utility for each functional component of the microwave/conventional range, the display standby power is assumed to be apportioned equally among each of the functional components. The standby apportionment factor (FSB) for each component would thus be: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 Standby power (W) Test unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Microwave oven 1 ........................................ 2 ........................................ 3 ........................................ 4 ........................................ 5 ........................................ 6 ........................................ 7 ........................................ 8 ........................................ 9 ........................................ 10 ...................................... 11 ...................................... 12 ...................................... 1.28 7.84 1.35 1.47 1.14 1.28 3.27 3.37 10.66 2.04 8.20 3.73 Average ................................. Average Without Display ...... 3.80 2.39 FSB = [(Standby Power of that Component without Display) + (1/ Number of Components) × (Display Standby Power)]/(Overall Standby Power), where the number of components would be two. DOE used a similar approach for microwave/ conventional cooking tops, where the overall standby power was obtained from the sum of the microwave oven standby power without display, conventional cooking top standby power without display, and display standby power. In that case, the standby power apportionment factor would also be calculated using two as the number of components. Similarly, for microwave/conventional ovens, the PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Test unit Unit 1 ........................................ Unit 2 ........................................ Unit 3 ........................................ Unit 4 ........................................ Unit 5 ........................................ Unit 6 ........................................ Unit 7 ........................................ Unit 8 ........................................ Unit 9 ........................................ Unit 10 ...................................... Unit 11 ...................................... Unit 12 ...................................... Unit 13 ...................................... Unit 14 ...................................... Unit 15 ...................................... Unit 16 ...................................... Unit 17 ...................................... Unit 18 ...................................... Average ................................. Average Without Display ...... Standby power (W) 4.19 4.37 4.50 4.59 4.14 6.65 3.37 1.77 3.67 3.78 4.45 3.15 0.89 5.14 4.13 3.40 4.48 2.84 3.86 2.45 overall standby power was obtained from the sum of the conventional oven standby power without display, microwave oven standby power without display, and display standby power, and the standby power apportionment factor would be calculated using two as the number of components. Table 3 summarizes these calculations, and presents the resulting standby power apportionment factors for each of the functional components. DOE proposes to use the microwave oven standby power apportionment factors in its test procedure for these products. E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28812 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules TABLE 3—STANDBY POWER APPORTIONMENT FACTORS FOR MICROWAVE/CONVENTIONAL RANGES AND MICROWAVE/ CONVENTIONAL OVENS Microwave/ conventional range mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS DOE had insufficient data on cooking tops, ovens, and microwave ovens capable of operating in off mode to conduct a similar analysis for off mode apportionment factors, due to the limited number of products capable of operation in such a mode. DOE estimates, however, that components in microwave/conventional ranges, microwave/conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ovens that would be energized in off mode would be equally applicable to each of the functional components. Thus, DOE estimates that any off mode power consumption should be evenly apportioned among the components, meaning that the apportionment factors would be a function solely of the number of components in the product, i.e., FO = (1/Number of Components). Thus, FO for the microwave portion would be 50 percent for microwave/ conventional ovens and microwave/ conventional cooking tops, and 33 percent for microwave/conventional ranges. DOE seeks information and comments on these proposed standby mode and off mode apportionments. DOE also proposes that manufacturers could provide information to DOE to determine alternative apportionment values for specific models of microwave/conventional ranges, microwave/conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ovens. In addition, manufacturers of other combined products that incorporate a microwave oven, including a combination microwave/refrigeratorfreezer/charging station would be required to provide such information on appropriate apportionment values for determining the standby mode and off mode power of the microwave oven portion. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 EPCA requires that test procedures 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. Test procedures must also not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) In the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE concluded that the amended test procedure would produce test results that measure the power consumption of covered products during a representative average use cycle as well as annual energy consumption, and that the test procedure would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 76 FR 12825, 12840 (March 9, 2011). The amendments to the DOE test procedures proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR would be based on an updated version of IEC Standard 62301, IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). For the reasons discussed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE concluded that the proposed amended test procedures would produce test results that measure the standby mode and off mode power consumption during representative use, and that the test procedures would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. Whirlpool stated that it considers the test burden acceptable. However, Whirlpool added that this is contingent upon its comments on the following topics: (1) The exclusion of all products with multiple cavities, with one cavity having microwave capability and the other having a conventional oven, as covered products, (2) the proposed use of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), (3) the measurement of total harmonic distortion before and/or after the actual test, and (4) the use of a manufacturerdetermined stabilization period at the PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1.87 .............................. 2.45 1.41 5.73 .............................. 2.39 2.45 1.41 6.25 29% 35% 36% D. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements Microwave/ conventional oven 1.87 2.39 2.45 1.41 8.12 Standby Power (W): Cooking Top Portion ........................................................................................... Oven Portion ....................................................................................................... Microwave Oven Portion .................................................................................... Display ................................................................................................................ Total with Display ............................................................................................... Standby Apportionment Factor (%): Cooking Top Portion ........................................................................................... Oven Portion ....................................................................................................... Microwave Oven Portion .................................................................................... Microwave/ conventional cooking top 45% .............................. 55% .............................. 50% 50% start of standby power testing for microwave ovens with clocks. (Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 2) For the reasons discussed in section III.A, DOE is proposing in today’s notice to cover all products with a microwave oven component, including products that combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality, for the purposes of the microwave oven test procedure. Because the proposed test procedure would require the same measurement methodology for all covered products, with the additional application of an apportionment factor for combined products, DOE concludes that the proposed amended test procedures would produce test results that measure the standby mode and off mode power consumption during representative use, and that the test procedures would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. In a subsequent final rule to follow, DOE will address Whirlpool’s comments on the test burden associated with the proposed use of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), the power measurement requirements, and the use of a manufacturer-determined stabilization period at the start of standby power testing for microwave ovens with clocks. IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review A. Review Under Executive Order 12866 The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test procedure rulemakings do not constitute ‘‘significant regulatory actions’’ under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As required by Executive Order 13272, ‘‘Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,’’ 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly considered during the rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE’s procedures and policies may be viewed on the Office of the General Counsel’s Web site (www.gc.doe.gov). DOE reviewed today’s SNOPR under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on February 19, 2003. In conducting this review, DOE first determined the potential number of affected small entities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers an entity to be a small business if, together with its affiliates, it employs fewer than the threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121 according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. The SBA’s Table of Size Standards is available at: https:// www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/ documents/sba_homepage/serv_sstd_ tablepdf.pdf. The threshold number for NAICS classification 335221, Household Cooking Appliance Manufacturers, which includes microwave oven manufacturers, is 750 employees. DOE surveyed the AHAM member directory to identify manufacturers of microwave ovens. In addition, as part of the appliance standards rulemaking, DOE asked interested parties and AHAM representatives within the microwave oven industry if they were aware of any small business manufacturers. DOE consulted publicly available data, purchased company reports from sources such as Dun & Bradstreet, and contacted manufacturers, where needed, to determine if they meet the SBA’s definition of a small business manufacturing facility and have their manufacturing facilities located within the United States. Based on this analysis, DOE estimates that there is one small business which manufactures a product which combines a microwave oven with other appliance functionality. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 The proposed rule would amend DOE’s test procedure for microwave ovens by incorporating testing provisions to address standby mode and off mode energy use in these products, including the microwave oven portion of combined products. The test procedure amendments involve measuring power input when the product is in standby mode or off mode, and in the case of combined products, apportioning the measured power to the microwave oven portion. Because manufacturers are not currently required to conduct energy testing for microwave ovens, there could be additional facilities and equipment costs required by the proposed rule. DOE notes that the small business submitted data to DOE on standby power consumption of its products, indicating that it may already have facilities and equipment that meet the proposed requirements. In addition, an Internet search of equipment that specifically meets the proposed requirements reveals a cost of approximately $2,000. This cost is small compared to the overall financial investment needed to undertake the business enterprise of testing and developing consumer products which involves facilities, qualified staff, and specialized equipment. Based on its review of industry data,5 DOE estimates that the small business has annual revenues of approximately $22 million. For these reasons, DOE continues to certify that the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a regulatory flexibility analysis for this rulemaking. DOE seeks comment on the updated certification set forth above, and will transmit the certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b). C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Manufacturers of microwave ovens must certify to DOE that their products comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. In certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their products according to the DOE test procedures for microwave ovens, including any amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered consumer products and commercial equipment, 5 Annual revenues estimate based on financial data obtained from Hoover’s Inc., available online at www.hoovers.com. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28813 including microwave ovens. (76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011). The collectionof-information requirement for the certification and recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been approved by OMB under OMB control number 1910–1400. Public reporting burden for the certification is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 In this proposed rule, DOE is adopting test procedure amendments that it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. DOE has determined that this rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE’s implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would amend the existing test procedures without affecting the amount, quality or distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, would not result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any rulemaking that interprets or amends an existing rule without changing the environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required. E. Review Under Executive Order 13132 Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism,’’ 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires agencies E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28814 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has determined that it would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to energy conservation for the products that are the subject of today’s proposed rule. States can petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive Order 13132. F. Review Under Executive Order 12988 Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice Reform,’’ 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the private sector. Public Law 104–4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ‘‘significant intergovernmental mandate,’’ and requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small governments before establishing any requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820; also available at www.gc.doe.gov. DOE examined today’s proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy and determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, so these requirements do not apply. H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105–277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment. I. Review Under Executive Order 12630 DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ‘‘Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights’’ 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 would not result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most disseminations of information to the public under guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB’s guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE’s guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed today’s proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines. K. Review Under Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211, ‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,’’ 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy action. A ‘‘significant energy action’’ is defined as any action by an agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use. Today’s regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring the energy efficiency of microwave ovens is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and, accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects. E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 Under section 301 of the DOE Organization Act (Pub. L. 95–91), DOE must comply with section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93–275), as amended by the Federal Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977 (FEAA; Pub. L. 95–70) (15 U.S.C. 788). Section 32 essentially provides that, where a rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on competition. The proposed rule incorporates testing methods contained in sections 4 and 5 (paragraphs 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1 (Note 1), 5.2, and 5.3) of the commercial standard, IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). DOE has evaluated this standard and is unable to conclude whether it fully complies with the requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA, i.e., whether it was developed in a manner that fully provides for public participation, comment, and review. DOE will consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the FTC about the impact on competition of using the methods contained in this standard and will address any concerns when it publishes a response to the public comments on this SNOPR. V. Public Participation mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS A. Submission of Comments DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of this proposed rule. Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice. Submitting comments via regulations.gov. The regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and contact information. Your contact information will not be publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 you for clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment. However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your comment. Do not submit to regulations.gov information for which disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section below. DOE processes submissions made through regulations.gov before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment. Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be posted to regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any comments. Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that are not secured, written in English and are free of any defects or viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of encryption and, if possible, PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28815 they should carry the electronic signature of the author. Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters’ names compiled into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting time. Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked confidential including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the information has previously been made available to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest. It is DOE’s policy that all comments may be included in the public docket, without change and as received, including any personal information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure). B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of interested parties on (1) its tentative determination that all products which combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality are covered products for the purposes of the microwave oven test procedure; (2) the proposed approach to apportion the standby power of a combined product among the E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28816 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules microwave oven and other functional portions; (3) the proposed apportionment values for microwave/ conventional ovens, microwave conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges; and (4) DOE’s proposal to allow manufacturers of microwave/conventional ovens, microwave/conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges to submit alternate values with supporting data, and to require such an approach for other combined products. The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed rule. List of Subjects 10 CFR Part 429 Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 4. Section 430.2 is amended by: a. Revising the definition of ‘‘Microwave/conventional range’’; and b. Adding the definitions for ‘‘Convection microwave oven’’, ‘‘Microwave/conventional cooking top’’, and ‘‘Microwave/conventional oven’’ in alphabetical order. The revisions and additions read as follows: Definitions. * Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small businesses. Dated: Issued in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2012. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE is proposing to amend parts 429 and 430 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below: PART 429—CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT 1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows: Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6317. 2. Section 429.23 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i) introductory text to read as follows: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows: § 430.2 10 CFR Part 430 * * * * * (a) * * * (2) * * * (i) Any represented value of estimated annual operating cost, energy consumption, standby mode power consumption, off mode power Jkt 226001 * * * * Convection microwave oven means a microwave oven that incorporates convection features and any other means of cooking in a single compartment. * * * * * Microwave/conventional cooking top means a class of kitchen ranges and ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a conventional cooking top. Microwave/conventional oven means a class of kitchen ranges and ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments. Microwave/conventional range means a class of kitchen ranges and ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments and a conventional cooking top. * * * * * 5. Section 430.3 is amended by revising paragraph (m)(2) to read as follows: § 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference. * § 429.23 Conventional cooking tops, conventional ovens, microwave ovens. 18:58 May 15, 2012 PART 430—ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291–6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary VerDate Mar<15>2010 consumption, or other measure of energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower values shall be greater than or equal to the higher of: * * * * * * * * * (m) * * * (2) IEC Standard 62301 (‘‘IEC 62301’’), Household electrical appliances– Measurement of standby power (Edition 2.0, 2011–01), IBR approved for Appendix J2 and Appendix I to Subpart B. * * * * * PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4700 6. Appendix I to Subpart B of Part 430 is amended: a. By revising the note after the heading; b. In section 1. Definitions: 1. By revising section 1.6; 2. By redesignating sections 1.7 through 1.14 as sections 1.8 through 1.15; 3. By revising newly designated sections 1.12 and 1.15; and 3. By adding section 1.7; c. In section 2. Test Conditions, by revising sections 2.1, 2.1.3, 2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.6, and 2.9.1.3 and adding sections 2.1.4, 2.1.4.1, and 2.1.4.2; d. In section 3. Test Methods and Measurements, by revising sections 3.1.1, 3.1.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.3.1, 3.2.3; and 3.3.13, and adding sections 3.1.3.2, 3.2.4, and 3.3.14; and e. In section 4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements, by revising section 4.3 and adding sections 4.3.1, 4.3.2, and 4.3.3. The revisions and additions read as follows: Appendix I to Subpart B of Part 430— Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Conventional Ranges, Conventional Cooking Tops, Conventional Ovens, and Microwave Ovens Note: Any representation related to standby mode and off mode energy consumption of these products made after [date 180 days after date of publication of the test procedure final rule in the Federal Register] must be based upon results generated under this test procedure, consistent with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2). After July 1, 2010, however, when DOE adopts an energy conservation standard that incorporates standby mode and off mode energy consumption, and upon the compliance date for such standards, compliance with the applicable provisions of this test procedure will also be required. Future revisions may add relevant provisions for measuring active mode in microwave ovens. 1. Definitions * * * * * 1.6 IEC 62301 First Edition refers to the test standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ‘‘Household electrical appliances— Measurement of standby power,’’ Publication 62301 (first edition June 2005) (incorporated by reference, see § 430.3). 1.7 IEC 62301 Second Edition refers to the test standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ‘‘Household electrical appliances— Measurement of standby power,’’ Publication 62301 Edition 2.0 2011–01 (incorporated by reference, see § 430.3). * * * * * 1.12 Standard cubic foot (or liter (L)) of gas means that quantity of gas that occupies E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28817 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules 1 cubic foot (or alternatively expressed in L) when saturated with water vapor at a temperature of 60 °F (15.6 °C) and a pressure of 30 inches of mercury (101.6 kPa) (density of mercury equals 13.595 grams per cubic centimeter). * * * * * mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 1.15 Symbol usage. The following identity relationships are provided to help clarify the symbology used throughout this procedure. A—Number of Hours in a Year B—Number of Hours Pilot Light Contributes to Cooking C—Specific Heat E—Energy Consumed Eff—Cooking Efficiency F—Power Apportionment Factor H—Heating Value of Gas K—Conversion for Watt-hours to Kilowatthours Ke—3.412 Btu/Wh, Conversion for Watthours to Btu’s M—Mass n—Number of Units O—Annual Useful Cooking Energy Output P—Power Q—Gas Flow Rate R—Energy Factor, Ratio of Useful Cooking Energy Output to Total Energy Input S—Number of Self-Cleaning Operations per Year T—Temperature t—Time V—Volume of Gas Consumed W—Weight of Test Block 2. Test Conditions 2.1 Installation. A free-standing kitchen range shall be installed with the back directly against, or as near as possible to, a vertical wall which extends at least 1 foot above and on either side of the appliance. There shall be no side walls. A drop-in, built-in or wallmounted appliance shall be installed in an enclosure in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These appliances are to be completely assembled with all handles, knobs, guards and the like mounted in place. Any electric resistance heaters, gas burners, baking racks, and baffles shall be in place in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; however, broiler pans are to be removed from the oven’s baking compartment. For conventional ovens and conventional cooking tops, and for active mode testing of the conventional oven or conventional cooking top portion of a microwave/conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range, disconnect any electrical clock which uses energy continuously, except for those that are an integral part of the timing or temperature controlling circuit. Do not disconnect or modify the circuit to any other electrical devices or features. * * * * * 2.1.3 Microwave ovens. Install the microwave oven in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and connect to an electrical supply circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this appendix. The microwave oven shall also be installed in accordance with section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 by reference; see § 430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes. A watt meter shall be installed in the circuit and shall be as described in section 2.9.1.3 of this appendix. 2.1.4 Microwave/conventional ovens, microwave conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges. 2.1.4.1 Active mode. For testing other than for standby mode and off mode power, these products shall be connected to an electrical supply circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this appendix with a watt-hour meter installed in the circuit. The watt-hour meter shall be as described in section 2.9.1.1 of this appendix. 2.1.4.2 Standby mode and off mode. For testing standby mode and off mode power, install the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and connect to an electrical supply circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this appendix. The product shall also be installed in accordance with section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes. A watt meter shall be installed in the circuit and shall be as described in section 2.9.1.3 of this appendix. * * * * * 2.2.1.1 Voltage. Maintain the electrical supply to the conventional range, conventional cooking top, and conventional oven being tested at 240/120 volts ±2 percent except that basic models rated only at 208/ 120 volts shall be tested at that rating ±2 percent. For microwave oven, microwave/ conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, and microwave/conventional range testing, maintain the electrical supply to the unit at 240/120 volts ±1 percent. Maintain the electrical supply frequency for all products at 60 hertz ±1 percent. 2.2.1.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the standby mode and off mode testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform as indicated in section 4, paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3). If the power measuring instrument used for testing is unable to measure and record the total harmonic content during the test measurement period, it is acceptable to measure and record the total harmonic content immediately before and after the test measurement period. * * * * * 2.5.1 Active mode ambient room air temperature. During the active mode test, maintain an ambient room air temperature, TR, of 77° ± 9 °F (25° ± 5 °C) for conventional ovens, conventional cooking tops, microwave/conventional ovens, microwave/ conventional cooking tops, and microwave/ conventional ranges, as measured at least 5 feet (1.5 m) and not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) from the nearest surface of the unit under test and approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) above the floor. The temperature shall be measured with a thermometer or temperature indicating system with an accuracy as specified in section 2.9.3.1 of this appendix. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4700 2.5.2 Standby mode and off mode ambient temperature. For standby mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air temperature conditions as specified in section 4, paragraph 4.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3). 2.6 Normal nonoperating temperature. All areas of the appliance to be tested shall attain the normal nonoperating temperature, as defined in section 1.8 of this appendix, before any testing begins. The equipment for measuring the applicable normal nonoperating temperature shall be as described in sections 2.9.3.1, 2.9.3.2, 2.9.3.3, and 2.9.3.4 of this appendix, as applicable. * * * * * 2.9.1.3 Standby mode and off mode watt meter. The watt meter used to measure standby mode and off mode shall meet the requirements specified in section 4, paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3). If the power measuring instrument used for testing is unable to measure and record the crest factor, power factor, or maximum current ratio during the test measurement period, it is acceptable to measure the crest factor, power factor, and maximum current ratio immediately before and after the test measurement period. * * * * * 3. Test Methods and Measurements * * * * * 3.1.1 Conventional oven. Perform a test by establishing the testing conditions set forth in section 2, ‘‘TEST CONDITIONS,’’ of this appendix, and adjust any pilot lights of a conventional gas oven in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and turn off the gas flow to the conventional cooking top, if so equipped. Before beginning the test, the conventional oven shall be at its normal nonoperating temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in section 2.6 of this appendix. Set the conventional oven test block W1 approximately in the center of the usable baking space. If there is a selector switch for selecting the mode of operation of the oven, set it for normal baking. If an oven permits baking by either forced convection by using a fan, or without forced convection, the oven is to be tested in each of those two modes. The oven shall remain on for at least one complete thermostat ‘‘cut-off/cut-on’’ of the electrical resistance heaters or gas burners after the test block temperature has increased 234 °F (130 °C) above its initial temperature. 3.1.1.1 Self-cleaning operation of a conventional oven. Establish the test conditions set forth in section 2, ‘‘TEST CONDITIONS,’’ of this appendix. Adjust any pilot lights of a conventional gas oven in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and turn off the gas flow to the conventional cooking top. The temperature of the conventional oven shall be its normal nonoperating temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in section 2.6 of this appendix. Then set the conventional oven’s self-cleaning process in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the self-cleaning process is adjustable, use the E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 28818 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules time in standby mode, follow the procedure in section 3.1.3.1 of this appendix for each clock simultaneously. average time recommended by the manufacturer for a moderately soiled oven. * * * * * 3.1.2 Conventional cooking top. Establish the test conditions set forth in section 2, ‘‘TEST CONDITIONS,’’ of this appendix. Adjust any pilot lights of a conventional gas cooking top in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and turn off the gas flow to the conventional oven(s), if so equipped. The temperature of the conventional cooking top shall be its normal nonoperating temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in section 2.6 of this appendix. Set the test block in the center of the surface unit under test. The small test block, W2, shall be used on electric surface units of 7 inches (178 mm) or less in diameter. The large test block, W3, shall be used on electric surface units over 7 inches (177.8 mm) in diameter and on all gas surface units. Turn on the surface unit under test and set its energy input rate to the maximum setting. When the test block reaches 144 °F (80 °C) above its initial test block temperature, immediately reduce the energy input rate to 25 ± 5 percent of the maximum energy input rate. After 15 ± 0.1 minutes at the reduced energy setting, turn off the surface unit under test. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * 3.1.3 Microwave oven, microwave/ conventional oven, microwave oven/ conventional cooking top, and microwave/ conventional range. 3.1.3.1 Microwave oven test standby mode and off mode power. Establish the testing conditions set forth in section 2, ‘‘TEST CONDITIONS,’’ of this appendix. For microwave ovens that drop from a higher power state to a lower power state as discussed in section 5, paragraph 5.1, Note 1 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3), allow sufficient time for the microwave oven to reach the lower power state before proceeding with the test measurement. Follow the test procedure as specified in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition). For units in which power varies as a function of displayed time in standby mode, set the clock time to 3:23 and use the average power approach described in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) of IEC 62301 (First Edition), but with a single test period of 10 minutes +0/-2 sec after an additional stabilization period until the clock time reaches 3:33. If a microwave oven is capable of operation in either standby mode or off mode, as defined in sections 1.13 and 1.9 of this appendix, respectively, or both, test the microwave oven in each mode in which it can operate. 3.1.3.2 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, and microwave/conventional range standby mode and off mode power. For standby mode and off mode power testing of the microwave oven portion of the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range, follow the procedure established in section 3.1.3.1 of this appendix. If the product has separate displays for the microwave oven and conventional oven, conventional cooking top, or conventional range portions, in which power varies as a function of the displayed VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 * * * * * 3.2.3 Microwave oven test standby mode and off mode power. Make measurements as specified in section 5, paragraph 5.3 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3). If the microwave oven is capable of operating in standby mode, measure the average standby mode power of the microwave oven, PSB, in watts as specified in section 3.1.3.1 of this appendix. If the microwave oven is capable of operating in off mode, measure the average off mode power of the microwave oven, PO, as specified in section 3.1.3.1 of this appendix. 3.2.4 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, and microwave/conventional range test standby mode and off mode power. Make measurements as specified in section 5, paragraph 5.3 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see § 430.3). If the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range is capable of operating in standby mode, measure the average standby mode power of the combined product, PSBC, in watts as specified in section 3.1.3.2 of this appendix. If the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range is capable of operating in off mode, measure the average off mode power of the combined product, POC, as specified in section 3.1.3.2 of this appendix. * * * * * 3.3.13 Record the average standby mode power, PSB, for the microwave oven standby mode, as determined in section 3.2.3 of this appendix for a microwave oven capable of operating in standby mode. Record the average off mode power, PO, for the microwave oven off mode power test, as determined in section 3.2.3 of this appendix for a microwave oven capable of operating in off mode. 3.3.14 Record the average standby mode power, PSBC, for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range standby mode, as determined in section 3.2.4 of this appendix for a microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range capable of operating in standby mode. Record the average off mode power, POC, for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range off mode power test, as determined in section 3.2.4 of this appendix for a microwave oven capable of operating in off mode. 4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements * * * * * 4.3 Combined components. 4.3.1 Combined conventional cooking products. The annual energy consumption of a conventional range, e.g. a conventional cooking top and conventional oven combined, shall be the sum of the annual energy consumption of each of its components. The annual energy PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4700 consumption for other combinations of conventional ovens and conventional cooking tops will also be treated as the sum of the annual energy consumption of each of its components. The energy factor of a combined component is the sum of the annual useful cooking energy output of each component divided by the sum of the total annual energy consumption of each component. 4.3.2 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, and microwave/conventional range. Calculate the average standby mode power, PSB, for the microwave oven portion of the microwave/ conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range capable of operating in standby mode, in watts, defined as: PSB = PSBC × FSBM Where: PSBC = the average standby mode power for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range as determined in section 3.3.14 of this appendix. FSBM = the power apportionment factor for the microwave oven portion of the average standby mode power for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range = 0.50 for microwave/conventional ovens, 0.55 for microwave/conventional cooking tops, and 0.36 for microwave/conventional ranges. Alternatively, manufacturers may submit data to DOE that DOE may use to permit a different value of FSBM for that particular model of microwave/ conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range. Calculate the average off mode power, PO, for the microwave oven portion of the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range capable of operating in off mode, in watts, defined as: PO = POC × FOM Where: POC = the average off mode power for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range as determined in section 3.3.14 of this appendix. FOM = the power apportionment factor for the microwave oven portion of the average off mode power for the microwave/ conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave conventional range = 0.50 for microwave/conventional ovens and microwave/conventional cooking tops, and 0.33 for microwave/conventional ranges. Alternatively, manufacturers may submit data to DOE that DOE may use to permit a different value of FOM for that particular model of microwave/ conventional oven, microwave/ conventional cooking top, or microwave/ conventional range. 4.3.3 Other combined products. For products that combine a microwave oven E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM 16MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 16, 2012 / Proposed Rules with appliance functionality other than cooking or heating food, the average standby power, PSB, and average off mode power, PO, of the microwave oven portion shall be determined as for microwave/conventional ovens, microwave/conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges, except that manufacturers must submit data to DOE that DOE shall use to determine the values of the apportionment factors, FSBM and FOM, as defined in section 4.3.2 of this appendix, for that particular model of combined product. [FR Doc. 2012–11730 Filed 5–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Chapter 1 Second Amendment to July 14, 2011 Order for Swap Regulation Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Notice of Proposed Amendment. AGENCY: On July 14, 2011, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (‘‘CFTC’’ or the ‘‘Commission’’) issued a final order (‘‘July 14 Order’’) that granted temporary exemptive relief from certain provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act (‘‘CEA’’) that otherwise would have taken effect on the general effective date of title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’)—July 16, 2011. On December 23, 2011, the Commission amended the July 14 Order to extend the potential latest expiration date of the July 14 Order from December 31, 2011 to July 16, 2012, and added provisions to account for the repeal and replacement (as of December 31, 2011) of part 35 of the Commission’s regulations (the ‘‘First Amended July 14 Order’’). In this Notice of Proposed Amendment (‘‘Notice’’), the Commission proposes to further modify the temporary exemptive relief provided in the First Amended July 14 Order by: (1) Removing references to the entities terms, including ‘‘swap dealer,’’ ‘‘major swap participant,’’ and ‘‘eligible contract participant’’ in light of the final, joint CFTC–SEC rulemaking further defining them issued on April 18, 2012; (2) extending the potential latest expiration date of the July 14 Order to December 31, 2012, or, depending on the nature of the relief, such other compliance date as may be determined by the Commission; (3) allowing the clearing of agricultural swaps, as described herein; and (4) removing any reference to the exempt mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:58 May 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 commercial market (‘‘ECM’’) and exempt board of trade (‘‘EBOT’’) grandfather relief previously issued by the Commission. Only comments pertaining to these proposed amendments to the First Amended July 14 Order, as amended (the ‘‘Second Amended July 14 Order’’), will be considered. Submit comments on or before May 30, 2012. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted, referenced as ‘‘Effective Date Amendments,’’ by any of the following methods: • Agency Web site, via its Comments Online process at https:// comments.cftc.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments through the Web site. • Mail: David A. Stawick, Secretary of the Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as mail above. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Please submit your comments using only one method. All comments must be submitted in English, or if not, accompanied by an English translation. Comments will be posted as received to www.cftc.gov. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. If you wish the Commission to consider information that may be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, a petition for confidential treatment of the exempt information may be submitted according to the established procedures in § 145.9 of the Commission’s regulations, 17 CFR 145.9. The Commission reserves the right, but shall have no obligation, to review, pre-screen, filter, redact, refuse or remove any or all of your submission from www.cftc.gov that it may deem to be inappropriate for publication, such as obscene language. All submissions that have been redacted or removed that contain comments on the merits of the rulemaking will be retained in the public comment file and will be considered as required under the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable laws, and may be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark D. Higgins, Counsel, (202) 418– 5864, mhiggins@cftc.gov, Office of the General Counsel; David Van Wagner, Chief Counsel, (202) 418–5481, DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 28819 dvanwagner@cftc.gov, Division of Market Oversight; Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW., Washington, DC 20581; or Anne Polaski, Special Counsel, (312) 596–0575, apolaski@cftc.gov, Division of Clearing and Risk; Commodity Futures Trading Commission, 525 West Monroe, Chicago, Illinois 60661. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 14, 2011, the Commission exercised its exemptive authority under CEA section 4(c) 1 and its authority under section 712(f) of the Dodd-Frank Act by issuing a final order (the ‘‘July 14 Order’’) that addressed the potential that the final, joint CFTC–SEC rulemakings further defining the terms in sections 712(d) 2 and 721(c) 3 would not be in effect as of July 16, 2011 (i.e., the general effective date set forth in section 754 of the Dodd-Frank Act).4 In so doing, the Commission sought to address concerns that had been raised about the applicability of various regulatory requirements to certain agreements, contracts, and transactions after July 16, 2011, and thereby ensure that current practices would not be unduly disrupted during the transition to the new regulatory regime.5 17 U.S.C. 6(c). 712(d)(1) provides: ‘‘Notwithstanding any other provision of this title and subsections (b) and (c), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the Board of Governors [of the Federal Reserve System], shall further define the terms ‘swap’, ‘security-based swap’, ‘swap dealer’, ‘security-based swap dealer’, ‘major swap participant’, ‘major security-based swap participant’, and ‘security-based swap agreement’ in section 1a(47)(A)(v) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(47)(A)(v)) and section 3(a)(78) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(78)).’’ 3 Section 721(c) provides: ‘‘To include transactions and entities that have been structured to evade this subtitle (or an amendment made by this subtitle), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shall adopt a rule to further define the terms ‘swap’, ‘swap dealer’, ‘major swap participant’, and ‘eligible contract participant’.’’ 4 Effective Date for Swap Regulation, 76 FR 42508 (issued and made effective by the Commission on July 14, 2011; published in the Federal Register on July 19, 2011). Section 712(f) of the Dodd-Frank Act states that ‘‘in order to prepare for the effective dates of the provisions of this Act,’’ including the general effective date set forth in section 754, the Commission may ‘‘exempt persons, agreements, contracts, or transactions from provisions of this Act, under the terms contained in this Act.’’ Section 754 specifies that unless otherwise provided in Title VII, provisions requiring a rulemaking become effective ‘‘not less than 60 days after publication of the final rule’’ (but not before July 16, 2011). 5 Concurrent with the July 14 Order, the Commission’s Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight (which is now two divisions—the Division of Clearing and Risk (‘‘DCR’’) and the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight (‘‘DSIO’’)) and the Division of Market Oversight (‘‘DMO’’) (together ‘‘the 2 Section E:\FR\FM\16MYP1.SGM Continued 16MYP1

Agencies

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28805-28819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11730]

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2008-BT-TP-0011]
RIN 1904-AB78

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens

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

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On November 23, 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) to amend
the test procedures for microwave ovens. That SNOPR proposed amendments
to the DOE test procedure to incorporate provisions from the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 62301,
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,''
Edition 2.0 2011-01 (IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)). Today's
SNOPR proposes additional provisions for measuring the standby mode and
off mode energy use of products that combine a microwave oven with
other appliance functionality, as well as minor technical
clarifications.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
SNOPR submitted no later than June 15, 2012. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details.

ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR on Test
Procedures for Microwave Ovens, and provide docket number EERE-2008-BT-
TP-0011 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904-AB78. Comments
may be submitted using any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: MicroOven-2008-TP-0011@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE-2008-BT-TP-0011 and/or RIN 1904-AB78 in the subject line of the
message.
3. 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, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone:

[[Page 28806]]

(202) 586-2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which
case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
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 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
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-2008-BT-TP-0011.
This web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the
www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page contains
simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public
comments, in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit
comments through 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 email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wes Anderson, 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. Email:
wes.anderson@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Ari Altman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6307. Email: ari.altman@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Products Covered by this Test Procedure Rulemaking
1. Microwave/Conventional Ranges
2. Microwave/Conventional Ovens
3. Other Combined Products
B. Effective Date for the Test Procedure and Date on Which Use
of the Test Procedure Will Be Required
C. Specifications for the Test Methods and Measurements for
Combined Products
D. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
V. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to
EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110-140 (Dec. 19,
2007)). Part B of title III, which for editorial reasons was
redesignated as Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C.
6291-6309), establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer
Products Other Than Automobiles.'' These include microwave ovens, the
subject of today's notice. (42 U.S.C. 6291(1)-(2) and 6292(a)(10))
Under EPCA, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1)
Testing, (2) labeling, (3) 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 the applicable energy conservation standards adopted under EPCA,
and (2) for making representations about the efficiency of those
products. Similarly, DOE must use these test requirements to determine
whether the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated
under EPCA.

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 any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably
designed to produce test results that 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 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)).
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.'' \1\ 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) (IEC Standard
62301 (First Edition)) and IEC Standard 62087 (Second Edition 2008-09).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 28807]]

DOE Microwave Oven Test Procedure

DOE's test procedure for microwave ovens is codified at appendix I
to subpart B of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The
test procedure was established in an October 3, 1997 final rule that
addressed active mode energy use only. 62 FR 51976.
To address standby mode and off mode energy use, DOE published a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on October 17, 2008 (hereafter
referred to as the October 2008 TP NOPR), in which it proposed
incorporating provisions from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) into
the DOE active mode test procedure, as well as language to clarify
application of these provisions for measuring standby mode and off mode
power in microwave ovens. 73 FR 62134. DOE held a public meeting on
November 14, 2008 (hereafter referred to as the November 2008 public
meeting) to hear oral comments on and solicit information relevant to
the October 2008 TP NOPR. Interested parties remarked upon, among other
things, harmonization of standards and test procedures with those of
other countries and international agencies. In particular commenters
urged DOE to consider IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) (or ``Second
Edition''), which was in the process of being drafted.
EPCA requires DOE to consider the most recent version of IEC
Standard 62301. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) After the October 2008 TP
NOPR was published, DOE determined that it would consider the revised
version of IEC Standard 62301, (i.e., IEC Standard 62301 (Second
Edition)), in the microwave oven test procedure rulemaking. DOE
anticipated, based on review of drafts of the updated IEC Standard
62301, that the revisions could include different mode definitions. The
revised version was expected in July 2009. IEC Standard 62301 (Second
Edition) was not published, however, until January 27, 2011.
In order to ensure that DOE could establish test procedures for
standby mode and off mode by March 31, 2011, as required by the EISA
2007 amendments to EPCA, DOE published an SNOPR on July 22, 2010
(hereafter referred to as the July 2010 TP SNOPR) proposing mode
definitions based on those in the then current draft version of IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition), designated as IEC Standard 62301
Second Edition, Committee Draft for Vote (IEC Standard 62301 (CDV)). 75
FR 42612, 42620-23 (July 22, 2010). DOE noted in the July 2010 TP SNOPR
that IEC Standard 62301 (CDV) contained proposed amendments to IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition), including new mode definitions based on
those proposed in IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), Committee Draft
2 (IEC Standard 62301 (CD2)) \2\ and which addressed comments received
by interested parties in response to IEC Standard 62301 (CD2). As a
result of this continued refinement on the basis of public comment to
IEC during its test standards development process, DOE stated that it
believed that those most recent mode definitions represented the best
definitions available for the analysis in support of this rulemaking.
75 FR 42612, 42621.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\2\ IEC Standard 62301 (CD2) was the draft version immediately
preceding IEC Standard 62301 (CDV).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE held a public meeting on September 16, 2010 (hereafter referred
to as the September 2010 public meeting), to hear oral comments on and
solicit information relevant to the July 2010 TP SNOPR. Interested
parties remarked upon, among other things, covered products,
incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition), mode definitions,
and testing procedures. On October 29, 2010, the IEC released a
finalized draft version of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), IEC
Standard 62301 (FDIS).
On March 9, 2011, DOE published an interim final rule (hereafter
referred to as the March 2011 Interim Final Rule) amending the test
procedures for microwave ovens. 76 FR 12825. The March 2011 Interim
Final Rule incorporated by reference specific clauses from IEC Standard
62301 (First Edition) regarding test conditions and testing procedures
for measuring the average standby mode and average off mode power
consumption into the microwave oven test procedure. DOE also
incorporated into the microwave oven test procedure definitions of
``active mode,'' ``standby mode,'' and ``off mode'' based on the
definitions provided in IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS). DOE further adopted
language to clarify the application of clauses from IEC Standard 62301
(First Edition) for measuring standby mode and off mode power in the
March 2011 Interim Final rule. Specifically, DOE defined the test
duration for cases in which the measured power is not stable (i.e.,
varies over a cycle), recognizing that the power consumption of
microwave oven displays can vary based on the displayed clock time. 76
FR 12825, 12828.
The amendments adopted in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule became
effective on April 8, 2011. However, DOE noted that in order to ensure
that the amended test procedure adequately addresses the EISA 2007
requirement to consider the most recent version of IEC Standard 62301,
and recognizing that the IEC issued IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
in January of 2011, DOE issued the microwave oven test procedure as an
interim final rule and offered an additional 180-day comment period to
consider whether any changes should be made to the interim final rule
in light of publication of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). DOE
stated that it would consider these comments and, to the extent
necessary, publish a final rulemaking incorporating any changes. 76 FR
12825, 12830-31. In response to the March 2011 Interim Final Rule,
interested parties commented that, among other things, DOE should
incorporate by reference IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) for
optimal international harmonization, to give clarity and consistency to
the regulated community and to decrease the testing burden.
Based upon the public comment, DOE decided to further analyze IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition). DOE reviewed this latest version of
the IEC standard and believes that it improves some measurements of
standby mode and off mode energy use. Accordingly, DOE published a
second SNOPR on November 23, 2011 (hereafter referred to as the
November 2011 TP SNOPR), proposing to incorporate certain provisions of
IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), along with clarifying language,
into the DOE test procedures for microwave ovens adopted in the March
2011 Interim Final Rule. In addition, DOE proposed in the November 2011
TP SNOPR to make minor editorial changes in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix I, section 2.2.1.1 to aid the reader by presenting the
electrical supply voltages consistently for microwave ovens and
conventional cooking products, and also in section 1.12 to clarify the
alternative use of metric units for various measurements and
calculations in the conventional cooking products test procedure. 76 FR
72331 (Nov. 23, 2011).

II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

In the course of reviewing comments on the November 2011 TP SNOPR,
DOE determined that an additional SNOPR would be necessary before
moving to a final rule. As discussed in section I, DOE published the
March 2011 Interim Final Rule to provide an opportunity for it to fully
consider whether any changes should be made in light of publication of
IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). Based upon the public comment
received on the March 2011 Interim

[[Page 28808]]

Final Rule, DOE analyzed IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) for the
November 2011 TP SNOPR. Today's SNOPR addresses comments received on
the November 2011 TP SNOPR regarding coverage of additional microwave
oven product types in the DOE test procedure. Comments on other topics
received in response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR will be addressed in
the subsequent final rule.
In today's SNOPR, DOE proposes that for products combining a
microwave oven with other appliance functionality (i.e., a product with
a compartment incorporating microwave capability and one or more other
components or appliance features that provide different functionality),
the compartment incorporating microwave cooking would be considered a
covered product under the definition of a microwave oven at 10 CFR
430.2. DOE is therefore proposing in today's SNOPR provisions that
would apportion the overall standby mode and off mode power in such
``combined products'' among the microwave oven component and other
components, and thus would determine the portion of the standby mode
and off mode power associated specifically with the microwave oven
component. For certain combined products that contain a microwave oven
as one of its functional components, DOE is proposing specific values
by which to apportion the standby mode and off mode power. However, the
proposed amendments would allow a manufacturer, upon submission of
suitable supporting information to DOE, to use alternate apportionment
values for such combined products. Manufacturers of combined products
for which specific apportionment values are not provided in the test
procedure would also be required to submit information as to the
appropriate values for their products.
In addition, the proposed amendments in today's SNOPR would make
minor editorial changes in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix I,
section 2.2.1.1 to aid the reader by presenting the electrical supply
voltages consistently for microwave ovens and conventional cooking
products, and also in newly designated section 1.12 to clarify the
alternative use of metric units for various measurements and
calculations in the definition of a standard cubic foot of gas for the
conventional cooking products test procedure.
For the reader's convenience, DOE has reproduced in this SNOPR the
amendments proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, further amended as
appropriate according to today's proposal.
As noted above, EPCA requires that DOE determine whether a proposed
test procedure amendment would alter the measured efficiency of a
product, thereby requiring adjustment of existing standards. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)) Because there are currently no Federal energy conservation
standards for microwave ovens (including standards for energy use in
the standby and off modes), such requirement does not apply to this
rulemaking. DOE is conducting a concurrent rulemaking process to
consider standby and off mode energy conservation standards and will
consider whether this test procedure alters the measured efficiency as
any standards are developed.

III. Discussion

A. Products Covered by This Test Procedure Rulemaking

DOE defines ``microwave oven'' as a class of kitchen ranges and
ovens which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a
compartment designed to cook or heat food by means of microwave energy.
10 CFR 430.2 In the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE determined that
this regulatory definition includes all ovens equipped with microwave
capability, including convection microwave ovens (i.e., microwave ovens
that incorporate convection features and possibly other means of
cooking) because they are capable of cooking or heating food by means
of microwave energy. 76 FR 12825, 12828-30 (March 9, 2011). Note that
in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE referred to such a product as
a ``combination oven''. There is some confusion, however, among
interested parties as to whether the convection features are required
to be incorporated in the same cavity as the microwave capability.
Further, in today's SNOPR, DOE proposes that the regulatory definition
of microwave oven also includes all products that combine a microwave
oven with other appliance functionality. To aid in distinguishing such
other ``combined products'' from the type of microwave oven that
incorporates convection features and any other means of cooking, DOE
proposes in today's SNOPR to use the term ``convection microwave oven''
to more accurately describe the latter, and to provide a definition of
convection microwave oven in 10 CFR 430.2. In this definition, DOE
would clarify that the microwave capability, convection features, and
any other cooking means are incorporated in a single cavity.
As established in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, the test
procedure does not currently apply to the type of cooking appliance
classified by DOE regulations as a microwave/conventional range, which
has separate compartments or components consisting of a microwave oven,
a conventional oven, and a conventional cooking top. 76 FR 12825, 12830
(March 9, 2011). However, in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE's
determination of products covered under this test procedure rulemaking
did not specifically consider other combined products that could
contain a microwave oven as one of its functional components.
In response to the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, interested
parties commented that the determination of covered products in the
March 2011 Interim Final Rule is overly broad and unclear as to whether
ranges with microwave capability would be included as covered products.
Comments from interested parties further urged DOE to exclude a
combined product consisting of a microwave oven, refrigerator/freezer,
and two charging stations as a covered product for the DOE microwave
oven test procedure. 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011).
DOE determined that it would consider further the comments
regarding combined products in today's SNOPR. The following sections
present DOE's initial proposals from the November 2011 TP SNOPR,
discussion of comments from interested parties, and DOE's updated
proposal for each category of product that combines a microwave oven
with other appliance functionality.
1. Microwave/Conventional Ranges
In the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE noted that 10 CFR 430.2
additionally defines a microwave/conventional range as a class of
kitchen ranges and ovens (distinct from a microwave oven) which is a
household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven, a
conventional oven, and conventional cooking top. Because DOE asserted
in the March 2011 Interim Final Rule that the test procedure applies
only to microwave ovens and not to microwave/conventional ranges, DOE
reiterated in the November 2011 TP SNOPR the determination it made in
the March 2011 Interim Final Rule that a free-standing range with
microwave capability in one compartment and a conventional oven in a
separate compartment would not be a covered product under this
rulemaking. Additionally, DOE proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR
that a range incorporating a single compartment with microwave
capability and other

[[Page 28809]]

cooking or heating means, along with a conventional cooking top, would
not be considered a covered product because the cooking top portion
would exclude the range from the relevant portion of the definition of
``microwave oven'' (e.g., a compartment designed to cook or heat food
by means of microwave energy.) 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011).
In response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR, Whirlpool Corporation
(Whirlpool) commented that it agreed that microwave/conventional ranges
should not be considered covered products, but that this exclusion
should not be limited to free-standing ranges. Whirlpool stated that
other installation configurations, such as built-in products, should
also be considered covered products. (Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1) \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\3\ A notation in the form ``Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1''
identifies a written comment: (1) Made by Whirlpool Corporation; (2)
recorded in document number 33 that is filed in the docket of the
microwave oven test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2008-BT-
TP-0011) and available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3)
which appears on page 1 of document number 33.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In considering Whirlpool's comment, DOE believes that the
definition of ``microwave/conventional range'' hinges on the appliance
functionality provided by each of the components (i.e., microwave
cooking, cooking in a conventional oven, and cooking on a conventional
cooking top), rather than the installation configuration. Thus, DOE
clarifies that an appliance need not be free-standing to be covered as
a microwave/conventional range.
DOE also notes that the definition of ``microwave oven'' includes a
compartment that may heat food by means of electric resistance heating
as well as by microwave energy, thereby providing the cooking function
of a conventional oven. As a result, DOE believes that products covered
under this rulemaking should include products that consist of a
microwave oven, conventional oven, and conventional cooking top, as
well as those products that consist only of a microwave oven and a
conventional cooking top. DOE, therefore, proposes in today's SNOPR to
add a definition of ``microwave/conventional cooking top'' in 10 CFR
430.2 to state that it is a class of kitchen ranges and ovens that is a
household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave oven and a
conventional cooking top. DOE also proposes to clarify in the
definition of microwave/conventional range that the microwave oven and
conventional oven are incorporated as separate compartments.
Because a microwave/conventional range or microwave/conventional
cooking top contains a microwave oven as one of its functional
components, DOE now proposes that the microwave oven component of these
products would meet the statutory requirements as a covered product for
the purposes of measuring standby mode and off mode energy use under
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(B)(vi)) DOE acknowledges that it had
proposed in the November 2011 TP SNOPR that a microwave/conventional
range should be excluded as a covered product on the basis of a
regulatory definition separate from that of a microwave oven, but has
reconsidered that position because it does not believe that the
presence of additional appliance functionality would eliminate the
statutory requirement to evaluate standby mode and off mode energy use
in the microwave oven component.
2. Microwave/Conventional Ovens
The regulatory definition of ``conventional oven'' is ``a class of
kitchen ranges and ovens which is a household cooking appliance
consisting of one or more compartments intended for the cooking or
heating of food by means of either a gas flame or electric resistance
heating. It does not include portable or countertop ovens which use
electric resistance heating for the cooking or heating of food and are
designed for an electrical supply of approximately 120 volts.'' 10 CFR
430.2 Because this definition does not provide for the option of
cooking or heating food by means of microwave energy, DOE concluded in
the November 2011 TP SNOPR that a product comprising a single
compartment that uses both radiant heat and microwave energy for
cooking would be covered only under the definition of ``microwave
oven,'' which includes convection microwave ovens \4\ (including those
with radiant heating elements) regardless of which is considered the
primary cooking mode, and would not be covered as a conventional
cooking product. 76 FR 72332, 72336 (Nov. 23, 2011).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\4\ In previous stages of this rulemaking, DOE referred to
microwave ovens which incorporate convection features and any other
means of cooking as a combination microwave oven. As discussed
earlier in the section, DOE is now referring to such products as
convection microwave ovens, and is using this terminology in today's
SNOPR for clarity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE acknowledged that the definition
of ``microwave oven'' considers only a single compartment, while the
definition of ``conventional oven'' allows for the possibility of one
or more compartments. DOE believes that, for products that consist of
multiple oven compartments but no integral cooking top portion, the
compartment(s) that provide for cooking by means of microwave energy
and any other cooking or heating means would be classified as microwave
ovens, while the compartment(s) that cook or heat food by means of a
gas flame or electric resistance heating without the use of microwave
energy would be classified as conventional ovens. Id. at 72336-37.
DOE did not provide specific methodology for such a ``microwave/
conventional oven'' in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, but noted that its
regulations contain certain provisions allowing a manufacturer to seek
a waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered consumer
products if at least one of the following conditions is met: (1) The
petitioner's basic model contains one or more design characteristics
that prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2)
the 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).
In response to the November 2011 TP SNOPR, Whirlpool stated that a
cooking product with two separate compartments, one of which has
microwave capability and the other which is a conventional oven, but
with a single control panel, should be classified as either a microwave
oven or a conventional oven. In Whirlpool's opinion, such a product
should not be classified as a microwave oven because proprietary market
research that it submitted to DOE demonstrates that the product is
primarily used for conventional cooking. According to Whirlpool, the
data show that the annual microwave oven energy use is 10 percent of
the annual energy used by the conventional oven. Therefore, Whirlpool
commented that the primary use under which the product should be tested
is as a conventional oven. Whirlpool further commented that products
with two compartments that can operate independently should have each
compartment considered separately, with each compartment classified by
its cooking energy source. (Whirlpool, No. 33 at p. 1)
As discussed above, DOE reiterates its determination from the
November 2011 TP SNOPR that the compartment(s) of a microwave/
conventional oven that provide for cooking by means of microwave energy
and any other cooking or heating means would be classified as microwave
ovens, while

[[Page 28810]]

the compartment(s) that cook or heat food by means of a gas flame or
electric resistance heating without the use of microwave energy would
be classified as conventional ovens. In considering this issue further,
DOE believes that a cooking product with two separate compartments, one
of which has microwave capability and the other which is a conventional
oven, should be considered a covered product in this rulemaking, and
for clarity and consistency with the existing regulatory definition of
microwave/conventional range, proposes to add a definition in 10 CFR
430.2 of a ``microwave/conventional oven'' as a class of kitchen ranges
and ovens which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a
microwave oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments. DOE
does not agree with Whirlpool's comment that microwave/conventional
ovens with a single control panel should be classified as a
conventional oven. DOE believes that for both microwave/conventional
ovens with a single control panel and those with functional components
that can operate independently, the microwave oven component would be
considered a covered product under this rulemaking. As discussed in
section III.C, DOE is proposing specific values by which to apportion
the standby mode and off mode power for these combined products,
regardless of whether such products use a single control panel or can
be operated independently.
For the same reasons as discussed above for microwave/conventional
ranges and microwave/conventional cooking tops, DOE believes that the
microwave oven component of a microwave/conventional oven would meet
the statutory requirements as a covered product for the purposes of
measuring standby mode and off mode energy use under EPCA. (42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(B)(vi)) DOE tentatively concludes that the test procedure
should only measure the standby mode and off mode energy use associated
with the microwave oven portion of combined products, and for that
reason the proposed amendments do not require any determination as to
which appliance function of a combined product with a microwave oven
component represents the primary usage of the product.
3. Other Combined Products
Consistent with its determination for microwave/conventional
ranges, microwave conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional
ovens, DOE further proposes that for all other products combining a
microwave oven with other components providing appliance functionality,
such as a microwave/refrigerator-freezer/charging station, the portion
of the combined product which meets the definition of a microwave oven
or convection microwave oven under 10 CFR 430.2 would be a covered
product under the microwave oven test procedure.
The methodology by which DOE proposes to measure the standby mode
and off mode energy use of all combined products is discussed in
section III.C of today's SNOPR.

B. Effective Date for the Test Procedure and Date on Which Use of the
Test Procedure Will Be Required

The effective date of the standby and off mode test procedures for
microwave ovens would be 30 days after the date of publication of the
final rule. DOE's amended test procedure regulations codified in the
CFR would clarify, though, that the procedures and calculations adopted
in the final rule need not be performed to determine compliance with
energy conservation standards until compliance with any final rule
establishing amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens
in standby mode and off mode is required. However, as of 180 days after
publication of the final rule, any representations as to the standby
mode and off mode energy consumption of the products that are the
subject of this rulemaking will need to be based upon results generated
under the applicable provisions of this test procedure. (42 U.S.C.
6293(c)(2))

C. Specifications for the Test Methods and Measurements for Combined
Products

As discussed above in section III.A, DOE has determined that for
products combining a microwave oven with other appliance functionality,
the compartment incorporating microwave cooking capability would be
considered to meet the definition of a microwave oven at 10 CFR 430.2.
As a result, DOE is proposing in today's SNOPR testing procedures
specifically for such combined products. In particular, DOE proposes
that the standby mode and off mode power for combined products be
measured according to the same methodology proposed in the November
2011 TP SNOPR for microwave ovens; i.e., according to the provisions
incorporated from IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), except in the
case in which standby mode power consumption varies as a function of
displayed time. In that case, the standby mode power would be measured
for the entire product according to the method outlined in the November
2011 TP SNOPR. To determine the standby mode and off mode power
associated with the microwave oven portion only, apportionment factors
representing the fractional contribution of the microwave oven portion
to the total standby mode and off mode power consumption would be
multiplied by the overall standby mode and off mode power measurements.
DOE further proposes specific standby mode apportionment factors
for products that incorporate microwave ovens and conventional cooking
products, based on the following testing and analysis. DOE measured the
standby power of a representative sample of four conventional electric
cooking tops, nine conventional built-in electric ovens, three
conventional built-in gas ovens, eight over-the-range microwave-only
ovens, and ten over-the-range convection microwave ovens, using today's
proposed methodology. DOE selected over-the-range units as most
representative of microwave ovens that would be incorporated in
combined products. For each product type, DOE determined the average
standby power, which includes the power consumption of the display as
well as other components. DOE then determined the average standby power
associated with the display only, using teardowns and component testing
of a subsample of five of the convection microwave ovens. DOE believes
that the complexity of the convection microwave oven displays would
more closely approximate the displays of microwave/conventional ranges,
microwave/conventional ovens, and other combined products than
microwave-only units due to the multiple cooking modes of convection
microwave units. The subsample included both vacuum fluorescent
displays (VFDs) and touchscreen liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and the
standby power associated with the displays were observed to range from
0.75 to 1.96 watts (W), with an average of 1.41 W, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1--Average Display Standby Power for Built-In and Over-the-Range
Convection Microwave Ovens
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Display
standby
Configuration Display type power
(W)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over-the-Range....................... LCD with Touch......... 1.88
Over-the-Range....................... LCD with Touch......... 1.96
Over-the-Range....................... VFD.................... 0.75
Over-the-Range....................... VFD.................... 1.38
Over-the-Range....................... VFD.................... 1.10

[[Page 28811]]

Average.......................... ....................... 1.41
------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the full sample of conventional ovens and microwave ovens, the
average display standby power was subtracted from the average total
standby power to obtain the standby power associated with components
other than the display that would be attributed to the functionality of
that particular product. No displays were incorporated in the cooking
tops tested, and thus no display standby power was subtracted from the
average for those products. Table 2 summarizes the average overall
standby power measured for each product type, and, for conventional
ovens and microwave ovens, the portion of that average that corresponds
to components other than the display.

Table 2--Average Standby Power for Conventional Cooking Top, Conventional Ovens, and Microwave Ovens With and
Without a Display
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conventional cooking top Conventional oven Microwave oven
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standby Standby Standby
Test unit power (W) Test unit power (W) Test unit power (W)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1.......................... 2.99 Unit 1............. 1.28 Unit 1............ 4.19
Unit 2.......................... 0.60 Unit 2............. 7.84 Unit 2............ 4.37
Unit 3.......................... 2.36 Unit 3............. 1.35 Unit 3............ 4.50
Unit 4.......................... 1.53 Unit 4............. 1.47 Unit 4............ 4.59
........... Unit 5............. 1.14 Unit 5............ 4.14
........... Unit 6............. 1.28 Unit 6............ 6.65
........... Unit 7............. 3.27 Unit 7............ 3.37
........... Unit 8............. 3.37 Unit 8............ 1.77
........... Unit 9............. 10.66 Unit 9............ 3.67
........... Unit 10............ 2.04 Unit 10........... 3.78
........... Unit 11............ 8.20 Unit 11........... 4.45
Unit 12............ 3.73 Unit 12........... 3.15
Unit 13........... 0.89
Unit 14........... 5.14
Unit 15........... 4.13
Unit 16........... 3.40
Unit 17........... 4.48
Unit 18........... 2.84
Average....................... 1.87 Average.......... 3.80 Average......... 3.86
Average Without Display....... 1.87 Average Without 2.39 Average Without 2.45
Display. Display.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To obtain specific standby power apportionment factors for
microwave/conventional ranges, DOE estimated Overall Standby Power =
(Microwave Oven Standby Power without Display) + (Conventional Cooking
Top Standby Power without Display) + (Conventional Oven Standby Power
without Display) + (Display Standby Power). Because the display
typically includes features such as a clock and timer, which can
provide utility for each functional component of the microwave/
conventional range, the display standby power is assumed to be
apportioned equally among each of the functional components. The
standby apportionment factor (FSB) for each component would
thus be:
FSB = [(Standby Power of that Component without Display)
+ (1/Number of Components) x (Display Standby Power)]/(Overall Standby
Power), where the number of components would be two. DOE used a similar
approach for microwave/conventional cooking tops, where the overall
standby power was obtained from the sum of the microwave oven standby
power without display, conventional cooking top standby power without
display, and display standby power. In that case, the standby power
apportionment factor would also be calculated using two as the number
of components. Similarly, for microwave/conventional ovens, the overall
standby power was obtained from the sum of the conventional oven
standby power without display, microwave oven standby power without
display, and display standby power, and the standby power apportionment
factor would be calculated using two as the number of components. Table
3 summarizes these calculations, and presents the resulting standby
power apportionment factors for each of the functional components. DOE
proposes to use the microwave oven standby power apportionment factors
in its test procedure for these products.

[[Page 28812]]

Table 3--Standby Power Apportionment Factors for Microwave/Conventional Ranges and Microwave/Conventional Ovens
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microwave/ Microwave/
conventional conventional Microwave/
range cooking top conventional oven
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standby Power (W):
Cooking Top Portion................................ 1.87 1.87 .................
Oven Portion....................................... 2.39 ................. 2.39
Microwave Oven Portion............................. 2.45 2.45 2.45
Display............................................ 1.41 1.41 1.41
Total with Display................................. 8.12 5.73 6.25
Standby Apportionment Factor (%):
Cooking Top Portion................................ 29% 45% .................
Oven Portion....................................... 35% ................. 50%
Microwave Oven Portion............................. 36% 55% 50%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE had insufficient data on cooking tops, ovens, and microwave
ovens capable of operating in off mode to conduct a similar analysis
for off mode apportionment factors, due to the limited number of
products capable of operation in such a mode. DOE estimates, however,
that components in microwave/conventional ranges, microwave/
conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ovens that would
be energized in off mode would be equally applicable to each of the
functional components. Thus, DOE estimates that any off mode power
consumption should be evenly apportioned among the components, meaning
that the apportionment factors would be a function solely of the number
of components in the product, i.e., FO = (1/Number of
Components). Thus, FO for the microwave portion would be 50
percent for microwave/conventional ovens and microwave/conventional
cooking tops, and 33 percent for microwave/conventional ranges.
DOE seeks information and comments on these proposed standby mode
and off mode apportionments. DOE also proposes that manufacturers could
provide information to DOE to determine alternative apportionment
values for specific models of microwave/conventional ranges, microwave/
conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ovens. In
addition, manufacturers of other combined products that incorporate a
microwave oven, including a combination microwave/refrigerator-freezer/
charging station would be required to provide such information on
appropriate apportionment values for determining the standby mode and
off mode power of the microwave oven portion.

D. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements

EPCA requires that test procedures 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. Test procedures must
also not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In the March 2011 Interim Final Rule, DOE concluded that the
amended test procedure would produce test results that measure the
power consumption of covered products during a representative average
use cycle as well as annual energy consumption, and that the test
procedure would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 76 FR 12825, 12840
(March 9, 2011).
The amendments to the DOE test procedures proposed in the November
2011 TP SNOPR would be based on an updated version of IEC Standard
62301, IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). For the reasons discussed
in the November 2011 TP SNOPR, DOE concluded that the proposed amended
test procedures would produce test results that measure the standby
mode and off mode power consumption during representative use, and that
the test procedures would not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
Whirlpool stated that it considers the test burden acceptable.
However, Whirlpool added that this is contingent upon its comments on
the following topics: (1) The exclusion of all products with multiple
cavities, with one cavity having microwave capability and the other
having a conventional oven, as covered products, (2) the proposed use
of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), (3) the measurement of total
harmonic distortion before and/or after the actual test, and (4) the
use of a manufacturer-determined stabilization period at the start of
standby power testing for microwave ovens with clocks. (Whirlpool, No.
33 at p. 2)
For the reasons discussed in section III.A, DOE is proposing in
today's notice to cover all products with a microwave oven component,
including products that combine a microwave oven with other appliance
functionality, for the purposes of the microwave oven test procedure.
Because the proposed test procedure would require the same measurement
methodology for all covered products, with the additional application
of an apportionment factor for combined products, DOE concludes that
the proposed amended test procedures would produce test results that
measure the standby mode and off mode power consumption during
representative use, and that the test procedures would not be unduly
burdensome to conduct. In a subsequent final rule to follow, DOE will
address Whirlpool's comments on the test burden associated with the
proposed use of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition), the power
measurement requirements, and the use of a manufacturer-determined
stabilization period at the start of standby power testing for
microwave ovens with clocks.

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).

[[Page 28813]]

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the
agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small
Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE
published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that
the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly
considered during the rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE's procedures
and policies may be viewed on the Office of the General Counsel's Web
site (www.gc.doe.gov). DOE reviewed today's SNOPR under the provisions
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies
published on February 19, 2003.
In conducting this review, DOE first determined the potential
number of affected small entities. The Small Business Administration
(SBA) considers an entity to be a small business if, together with its
affiliates, it employs fewer than the threshold number of workers
specified in 13 CFR part 121 according to the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) codes. The SBA's Table of Size Standards
is available at: https://www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/sba_homepage/serv_sstd_tablepdf.pdf. The threshold number for NAICS
classification 335221, Household Cooking Appliance Manufacturers, which
includes microwave oven manufacturers, is 750 employees. DOE surveyed
the AHAM member directory to identify manufacturers of microwave ovens.
In addition, as part of the appliance standards rulemaking, DOE asked
interested parties and AHAM representatives within the microwave oven
industry if they were aware of any small business manufacturers. DOE
consulted publicly available data, purchased company reports from
sources such as Dun & Bradstreet, and contacted manufacturers, where
needed, to determine if they meet the SBA's definition of a small
business manufacturing facility and have their manufacturing facilities
located within the United States. Based on this analysis, DOE estimates
that there is one small business which manufactures a product which
combines a microwave oven with other appliance functionality.
The proposed rule would amend DOE's test procedure for microwave
ovens by incorporating testing provisions to address standby mode and
off mode energy use in these products, including the microwave oven
portion of combined products. The test procedure amendments involve
measuring power input when the product is in standby mode or off mode,
and in the case of combined products, apportioning the measured power
to the microwave oven portion. Because manufacturers are not currently
required to conduct energy testing for microwave ovens, there could be
additional facilities and equipment costs required by the proposed
rule. DOE notes that the small business submitted data to DOE on
standby power consumption of its products, indicating that it may
already have facilities and equipment that meet the proposed
requirements. In addition, an Internet search of equipment that
specifically meets the proposed requirements reveals a cost of
approximately $2,000. This cost is small compared to the overall
financial investment needed to undertake the business enterprise of
testing and developing consumer products which involves facilities,
qualified staff, and specialized equipment. Based on its review of
industry data,\5\ DOE estimates that the small business has annual
revenues of approximately $22 million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\5\ Annual revenues estimate based on financial data obtained
from Hoover's Inc., available online at www.hoovers.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

For these reasons, DOE continues to certify that the proposed rule
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a regulatory
flexibility analysis for this rulemaking. DOE seeks comment on the
updated certification set forth above, and will transmit the
certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

Manufacturers of microwave ovens must certify to DOE that their
products comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. In
certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their products according
to the DOE test procedures for microwave ovens, including any
amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established
regulations for the certification and recordkeeping requirements for
all covered consumer products and commercial equipment, including
microwave ovens. (76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011). The collection-of-
information requirement for the certification and recordkeeping is
subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA). This requirement has been approved by OMB under OMB control
number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the certification is
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

In this proposed rule, DOE is adopting test procedure amendments
that it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy
conservation standards for microwave ovens. DOE has determined that
this rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically excluded
from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part
1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would amend the existing test
procedures without affecting the amount, quality or distribution of
energy usage, and, therefore, would not result in any environmental
impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical Exclusion A5
under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any rulemaking that
interprets or amends an existing rule without changing the
environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism
implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires
agencies

[[Page 28814]]

to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by
State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies
that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE published a
statement of policy describing the intergovernmental consultation
process it will follow in the development of such regulations. 65 FR
13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has determined that it
would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State
regulations as to energy conservation for the products that are the
subject of today's proposed rule. States can petition DOE for exemption
from such preemption to the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive
Order 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction;
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines
key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in
sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the
required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law,
the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order
12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small
governments before establishing any requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997,
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820; also available
at www.gc.doe.gov. DOE examined today's proposed rule according to UMRA
and its statement of policy and determined that the rule contains
neither an intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may result in
the expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, so these
requirements do not apply.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999

Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation would not
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001

Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has
reviewed today's proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those
guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use. Today's regulatory
action to amend the test procedure for measuring the energy efficiency
of microwave ovens is not a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has
it been designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator
of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and,
accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.

[[Page 28815]]

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974

Under section 301 of the DOE Organization Act (Pub. L. 95-91), DOE
must comply with section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974 (Pub. L. 93-275), as amended by the Federal Energy Administration
Authorization Act of 1977 (FEAA; Pub. L. 95-70) (15 U.S.C. 788).
Section 32 essentially provides that, where a rule authorizes or
requires use of commercial standards, the rulemaking must inform the
public of the use and background of such standards. In addition,
section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with the Attorney General and the
Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning the impact of
the commercial or industry standards on competition.
The proposed rule incorporates testing methods contained in
sections 4 and 5 (paragraphs 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1 (Note 1), 5.2, and 5.3)
of the commercial standard, IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). DOE has
evaluated this standard and is unable to conclude whether it fully
complies with the requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA, i.e.,
whether it was developed in a manner that fully provides for public
participation, comment, and review. DOE will consult with the Attorney
General and the Chairman of the FTC about the impact on competition of
using the methods contained in this standard and will address any
concerns when it publishes a response to the public comments on this
SNOPR.

V. Public Participation

A. Submission of Comments

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the
date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice.
Submitting comments via regulations.gov. The regulations.gov Web
page will require you to provide your name and contact information.
Your contact information will not be publicly viewable except for your
first and last names, organization name (if any), and submitter
representative name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly
because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to
contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical
difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE may not be
able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment.
Do not submit to regulations.gov information for which disclosure
is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business
Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through regulations.gov cannot
be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the Web site will waive
any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on
submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section
below.
DOE processes submissions made through regulations.gov before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be
posted to regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be
accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and are free of any defects or
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: One copy
of the document marked confidential including all the information
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-
confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted.
Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make
its own determination about the confidential status of the information
and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).

B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties on (1) its tentative determination that all products
which combine a microwave oven with other appliance functionality are
covered products for the purposes of the microwave oven test procedure;
(2) the proposed approach to apportion the standby power of a combined
product among the

[[Page 28816]]

microwave oven and other functional portions; (3) the proposed
apportionment values for microwave/conventional ovens, microwave
conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges; and (4)
DOE's proposal to allow manufacturers of microwave/conventional ovens,
microwave/conventional cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges
to submit alternate values with supporting data, and to require such an
approach for other combined products.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed
rule.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 430

Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.

Dated: Issued in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2012.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE is proposing to amend
parts 429 and 430 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as
set forth below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.

2. Section 429.23 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2)(i)
introductory text to read as follows:

Sec. 429.23 Conventional cooking tops, conventional ovens, microwave
ovens.

* * * * *
(a) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) Any represented value of estimated annual operating cost,
energy consumption, standby mode power consumption, off mode power
consumption, or other measure of energy consumption of a basic model
for which consumers would favor lower values shall be greater than or
equal to the higher of:
* * * * *

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

4. Section 430.2 is amended by:
a. Revising the definition of ``Microwave/conventional range''; and
b. Adding the definitions for ``Convection microwave oven'',
``Microwave/conventional cooking top'', and ``Microwave/conventional
oven'' in alphabetical order.
The revisions and additions read as follows:

Sec. 430.2 Definitions.

* * * * *
Convection microwave oven means a microwave oven that incorporates
convection features and any other means of cooking in a single
compartment.
* * * * *
Microwave/conventional cooking top means a class of kitchen ranges
and ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a
microwave oven and a conventional cooking top.
Microwave/conventional oven means a class of kitchen ranges and
ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave
oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments.
Microwave/conventional range means a class of kitchen ranges and
ovens that is a household cooking appliance consisting of a microwave
oven and a conventional oven in separate compartments and a
conventional cooking top.
* * * * *
5. Section 430.3 is amended by revising paragraph (m)(2) to read as
follows:

Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
(m) * * *
(2) IEC Standard 62301 (``IEC 62301''), Household electrical
appliances-Measurement of standby power (Edition 2.0, 2011-01), IBR
approved for Appendix J2 and Appendix I to Subpart B.
* * * * *
6. Appendix I to Subpart B of Part 430 is amended:
a. By revising the note after the heading;
b. In section 1. Definitions:
1. By revising section 1.6;
2. By redesignating sections 1.7 through 1.14 as sections 1.8
through 1.15;
3. By revising newly designated sections 1.12 and 1.15; and
3. By adding section 1.7;
c. In section 2. Test Conditions, by revising sections 2.1, 2.1.3,
2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.6, and 2.9.1.3 and adding sections
2.1.4, 2.1.4.1, and 2.1.4.2;
d. In section 3. Test Methods and Measurements, by revising
sections 3.1.1, 3.1.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.3.1, 3.2.3; and 3.3.13, and
adding sections 3.1.3.2, 3.2.4, and 3.3.14; and
e. In section 4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test
Measurements, by revising section 4.3 and adding sections 4.3.1, 4.3.2,
and 4.3.3.
The revisions and additions read as follows:

Appendix I to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Conventional Ranges, Conventional Cooking
Tops, Conventional Ovens, and Microwave Ovens

Note: Any representation related to standby mode and off mode
energy consumption of these products made after [date 180 days after
date of publication of the test procedure final rule in the Federal
Register] must be based upon results generated under this test
procedure, consistent with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2).
After July 1, 2010, however, when DOE adopts an energy conservation
standard that incorporates standby mode and off mode energy
consumption, and upon the compliance date for such standards,
compliance with the applicable provisions of this test procedure
will also be required. Future revisions may add relevant provisions
for measuring active mode in microwave ovens.

1. Definitions

* * * * *
1.6 IEC 62301 First Edition refers to the test standard
published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, titled
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,''
Publication 62301 (first edition June 2005) (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3).
1.7 IEC 62301 Second Edition refers to the test standard
published by the International Electrotechnical Commission, titled
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,''
Publication 62301 Edition 2.0 2011-01 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 430.3).
* * * * *
1.12 Standard cubic foot (or liter (L)) of gas means that
quantity of gas that occupies

[[Page 28817]]

1 cubic foot (or alternatively expressed in L) when saturated with
water vapor at a temperature of 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C) and a
pressure of 30 inches of mercury (101.6 kPa) (density of mercury
equals 13.595 grams per cubic centimeter).
* * * * *
1.15 Symbol usage. The following identity relationships are
provided to help clarify the symbology used throughout this
procedure.

A--Number of Hours in a Year
B--Number of Hours Pilot Light Contributes to Cooking
C--Specific Heat
E--Energy Consumed
Eff--Cooking Efficiency
F--Power Apportionment Factor
H--Heating Value of Gas
K--Conversion for Watt-hours to Kilowatt-hours
Ke--3.412 Btu/Wh, Conversion for Watt-hours to Btu's
M--Mass
n--Number of Units
O--Annual Useful Cooking Energy Output
P--Power
Q--Gas Flow Rate
R--Energy Factor, Ratio of Useful Cooking Energy Output to Total
Energy Input
S--Number of Self-Cleaning Operations per Year
T--Temperature
t--Time
V--Volume of Gas Consumed
W--Weight of Test Block

2. Test Conditions

2.1 Installation. A free-standing kitchen range shall be
installed with the back directly against, or as near as possible to,
a vertical wall which extends at least 1 foot above and on either
side of the appliance. There shall be no side walls. A drop-in,
built-in or wall-mounted appliance shall be installed in an
enclosure in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. These
appliances are to be completely assembled with all handles, knobs,
guards and the like mounted in place. Any electric resistance
heaters, gas burners, baking racks, and baffles shall be in place in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; however, broiler
pans are to be removed from the oven's baking compartment. For
conventional ovens and conventional cooking tops, and for active
mode testing of the conventional oven or conventional cooking top
portion of a microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional
cooking top, or microwave/conventional range, disconnect any
electrical clock which uses energy continuously, except for those
that are an integral part of the timing or temperature controlling
circuit. Do not disconnect or modify the circuit to any other
electrical devices or features.
* * * * *
2.1.3 Microwave ovens. Install the microwave oven in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions and connect to an electrical
supply circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this
appendix. The microwave oven shall also be installed in accordance
with section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition)
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), disregarding the
provisions regarding batteries and the determination,
classification, and testing of relevant modes. A watt meter shall be
installed in the circuit and shall be as described in section
2.9.1.3 of this appendix.
2.1.4 Microwave/conventional ovens, microwave conventional
cooking tops, and microwave/conventional ranges.
2.1.4.1 Active mode. For testing other than for standby mode and
off mode power, these products shall be connected to an electrical
supply circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this
appendix with a watt-hour meter installed in the circuit. The watt-
hour meter shall be as described in section 2.9.1.1 of this
appendix.
2.1.4.2 Standby mode and off mode. For testing standby mode and
off mode power, install the product in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions and connect to an electrical supply
circuit with voltage as specified in section 2.2.1 of this appendix.
The product shall also be installed in accordance with section 5,
paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding
batteries and the determination, classification, and testing of
relevant modes. A watt meter shall be installed in the circuit and
shall be as described in section 2.9.1.3 of this appendix.
* * * * *
2.2.1.1 Voltage. Maintain the electrical supply to the
conventional range, conventional cooking top, and conventional oven
being tested at 240/120 volts 2 percent except that
basic models rated only at 208/120 volts shall be tested at that
rating 2 percent. For microwave oven, microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, and
microwave/conventional range testing, maintain the electrical supply
to the unit at 240/120 volts 1 percent. Maintain the
electrical supply frequency for all products at 60 hertz 1 percent.
2.2.1.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the standby mode and off
mode testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform as
indicated in section 4, paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (Second
Edition) (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3). If the power
measuring instrument used for testing is unable to measure and
record the total harmonic content during the test measurement
period, it is acceptable to measure and record the total harmonic
content immediately before and after the test measurement period.
* * * * *
2.5.1 Active mode ambient room air temperature. During the
active mode test, maintain an ambient room air temperature,
TR, of 77[deg] 9 [deg]F (25[deg] 5 [deg]C) for conventional ovens, conventional cooking tops,
microwave/conventional ovens, microwave/conventional cooking tops,
and microwave/conventional ranges, as measured at least 5 feet (1.5
m) and not more than 8 feet (2.4 m) from the nearest surface of the
unit under test and approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) above the floor.
The temperature shall be measured with a thermometer or temperature
indicating system with an accuracy as specified in section 2.9.3.1
of this appendix.
2.5.2 Standby mode and off mode ambient temperature. For standby
mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air temperature
conditions as specified in section 4, paragraph 4.2 of IEC 62301
(Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.6 Normal nonoperating temperature. All areas of the appliance
to be tested shall attain the normal nonoperating temperature, as
defined in section 1.8 of this appendix, before any testing begins.
The equipment for measuring the applicable normal nonoperating
temperature shall be as described in sections 2.9.3.1, 2.9.3.2,
2.9.3.3, and 2.9.3.4 of this appendix, as applicable.
* * * * *
2.9.1.3 Standby mode and off mode watt meter. The watt meter
used to measure standby mode and off mode shall meet the
requirements specified in section 4, paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301
(Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3). If
the power measuring instrument used for testing is unable to measure
and record the crest factor, power factor, or maximum current ratio
during the test measurement period, it is acceptable to measure the
crest factor, power factor, and maximum current ratio immediately
before and after the test measurement period.
* * * * *

3. Test Methods and Measurements

* * * * *
3.1.1 Conventional oven. Perform a test by establishing the
testing conditions set forth in section 2, ``TEST CONDITIONS,'' of
this appendix, and adjust any pilot lights of a conventional gas
oven in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and turn off
the gas flow to the conventional cooking top, if so equipped. Before
beginning the test, the conventional oven shall be at its normal
nonoperating temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in
section 2.6 of this appendix. Set the conventional oven test block
W1 approximately in the center of the usable baking
space. If there is a selector switch for selecting the mode of
operation of the oven, set it for normal baking. If an oven permits
baking by either forced convection by using a fan, or without forced
convection, the oven is to be tested in each of those two modes. The
oven shall remain on for at least one complete thermostat ``cut-off/
cut-on'' of the electrical resistance heaters or gas burners after
the test block temperature has increased 234 [deg]F (130 [deg]C)
above its initial temperature.
3.1.1.1 Self-cleaning operation of a conventional oven.
Establish the test conditions set forth in section 2, ``TEST
CONDITIONS,'' of this appendix. Adjust any pilot lights of a
conventional gas oven in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions and turn off the gas flow to the conventional cooking
top. The temperature of the conventional oven shall be its normal
nonoperating temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in
section 2.6 of this appendix. Then set the conventional oven's self-
cleaning process in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
If the self-cleaning process is adjustable, use the

[[Page 28818]]

average time recommended by the manufacturer for a moderately soiled
oven.
* * * * *
3.1.2 Conventional cooking top. Establish the test conditions
set forth in section 2, ``TEST CONDITIONS,'' of this appendix.
Adjust any pilot lights of a conventional gas cooking top in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and turn off the gas
flow to the conventional oven(s), if so equipped. The temperature of
the conventional cooking top shall be its normal nonoperating
temperature as defined in section 1.8 and described in section 2.6
of this appendix. Set the test block in the center of the surface
unit under test. The small test block, W2, shall be used
on electric surface units of 7 inches (178 mm) or less in diameter.
The large test block, W3, shall be used on electric
surface units over 7 inches (177.8 mm) in diameter and on all gas
surface units. Turn on the surface unit under test and set its
energy input rate to the maximum setting. When the test block
reaches 144 [deg]F (80 [deg]C) above its initial test block
temperature, immediately reduce the energy input rate to 25 5 percent of the maximum energy input rate. After 15 0.1 minutes at the reduced energy setting, turn off the
surface unit under test.
* * * * *
3.1.3 Microwave oven, microwave/conventional oven, microwave
oven/conventional cooking top, and microwave/conventional range.
3.1.3.1 Microwave oven test standby mode and off mode power.
Establish the testing conditions set forth in section 2, ``TEST
CONDITIONS,'' of this appendix. For microwave ovens that drop from a
higher power state to a lower power state as discussed in section 5,
paragraph 5.1, Note 1 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3), allow sufficient time for the microwave
oven to reach the lower power state before proceeding with the test
measurement. Follow the test procedure as specified in section 5,
paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition). For units in which
power varies as a function of displayed time in standby mode, set
the clock time to 3:23 and use the average power approach described
in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) of IEC 62301 (First Edition), but
with a single test period of 10 minutes +0/-2 sec after an
additional stabilization period until the clock time reaches 3:33.
If a microwave oven is capable of operation in either standby mode
or off mode, as defined in sections 1.13 and 1.9 of this appendix,
respectively, or both, test the microwave oven in each mode in which
it can operate.
3.1.3.2 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional
cooking top, and microwave/conventional range standby mode and off
mode power. For standby mode and off mode power testing of the
microwave oven portion of the microwave/conventional oven,
microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range,
follow the procedure established in section 3.1.3.1 of this
appendix. If the product has separate displays for the microwave
oven and conventional oven, conventional cooking top, or
conventional range portions, in which power varies as a function of
the displayed time in standby mode, follow the procedure in section
3.1.3.1 of this appendix for each clock simultaneously.
* * * * *
3.2.3 Microwave oven test standby mode and off mode power. Make
measurements as specified in section 5, paragraph 5.3 of IEC 62301
(Second Edition) (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3). If
the microwave oven is capable of operating in standby mode, measure
the average standby mode power of the microwave oven,
PSB, in watts as specified in section 3.1.3.1 of this
appendix. If the microwave oven is capable of operating in off mode,
measure the average off mode power of the microwave oven,
PO, as specified in section 3.1.3.1 of this appendix.
3.2.4 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional
cooking top, and microwave/conventional range test standby mode and
off mode power. Make measurements as specified in section 5,
paragraph 5.3 of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3). If the microwave/conventional oven,
microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range
is capable of operating in standby mode, measure the average standby
mode power of the combined product, PSBC, in watts as
specified in section 3.1.3.2 of this appendix. If the microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/
conventional range is capable of operating in off mode, measure the
average off mode power of the combined product, POC, as
specified in section 3.1.3.2 of this appendix.
* * * * *
3.3.13 Record the average standby mode power, PSB,
for the microwave oven standby mode, as determined in section 3.2.3
of this appendix for a microwave oven capable of operating in
standby mode. Record the average off mode power, PO, for
the microwave oven off mode power test, as determined in section
3.2.3 of this appendix for a microwave oven capable of operating in
off mode.
3.3.14 Record the average standby mode power, PSBC,
for the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking
top, or microwave/conventional range standby mode, as determined in
section 3.2.4 of this appendix for a microwave/conventional oven,
microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range
capable of operating in standby mode. Record the average off mode
power, POC, for the microwave/conventional oven,
microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range
off mode power test, as determined in section 3.2.4 of this appendix
for a microwave oven capable of operating in off mode.

4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

* * * * *
4.3 Combined components.
4.3.1 Combined conventional cooking products. The annual energy
consumption of a conventional range, e.g. a conventional cooking top
and conventional oven combined, shall be the sum of the annual
energy consumption of each of its components. The annual energy
consumption for other combinations of conventional ovens and
conventional cooking tops will also be treated as the sum of the
annual energy consumption of each of its components. The energy
factor of a combined component is the sum of the annual useful
cooking energy output of each component divided by the sum of the
total annual energy consumption of each component.
4.3.2 Microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional
cooking top, and microwave/conventional range. Calculate the average
standby mode power, PSB, for the microwave oven portion
of the microwave/conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking
top, or microwave/conventional range capable of operating in standby
mode, in watts, defined as:

PSB = PSBC x FSBM

Where:

PSBC = the average standby mode power for the microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/
conventional range as determined in section 3.3.14 of this appendix.
FSBM = the power apportionment factor for the microwave
oven portion of the average standby mode power for the microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/
conventional range = 0.50 for microwave/conventional ovens, 0.55 for
microwave/conventional cooking tops, and 0.36 for microwave/
conventional ranges. Alternatively, manufacturers may submit data to
DOE that DOE may use to permit a different value of FSBM
for that particular model of microwave/conventional oven, microwave/
conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range.

Calculate the average off mode power, PO, for the
microwave oven portion of the microwave/conventional oven,
microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range
capable of operating in off mode, in watts, defined as:

PO = POC x FOM

Where:

POC = the average off mode power for the microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave/
conventional range as determined in section 3.3.14 of this appendix.
FOM = the power apportionment factor for the microwave
oven portion of the average off mode power for the microwave/
conventional oven, microwave/conventional cooking top, or microwave
conventional range = 0.50 for microwave/conventional ovens and
microwave/conventional cooking tops, and 0.33 for microwave/
conventional ranges. Alternatively, manufacturers may submit data to
DOE that DOE may use to permit a different value of FOM
for that particular model of microwave/conventional oven, microwave/
conventional cooking top, or microwave/conventional range.

4.3.3 Other combined products. For products that combine a
microwave oven

[[Page 28819]]

with appliance functionality other than cooking or heating food, the
average standby power, PSB, and average off mode power,
PO, of the microwave oven portion shall be determined as
for microwave/conventional ovens, microwave/conventional cooking
tops, and microwave/conventional ranges, except that manufacturers
must submit data to DOE that DOE shall use to determine the values
of the apportionment factors, FSBM and FOM, as
defined in section 4.3.2 of this appendix, for that particular model
of combined product.

[FR Doc. 2012-11730 Filed 5-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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