Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Microwave Ovens, 39980-39991 [2019-17322]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 13, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39980-39991]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-17322]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 156 / Tuesday, August 13, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 39980]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2017-BT-STD-0023]


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Microwave Ovens

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating an 
effort to determine whether to amend the current energy conservation 
standards for microwave ovens. Under the Energy Policy and Conservation 
Act of 1975, as amended, DOE must review these standards at least once 
every six years and publish either a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(``NOPR'') to propose new standards for microwave ovens or a notice of 
determination that the existing standards do not need to be amended. 
This request for information (``RFI'') solicits information from the 
public to help DOE determine whether amended standards for microwave 
ovens would result in significant energy savings and whether such 
standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. 
DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the 
scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI).

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before September 27, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2017-BT-
STD-0023, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket number 
EERE-2017-BT-STD-0023 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. 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: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However, 
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2017-BT-STD-0023. The docket web page contains 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit 
comments through https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Johnson, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-1943. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 287-6122. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment, or review other 
public comments and the docket contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking Process
II. Request for Information and Comments
    A. Products Covered by This Rulemaking
    B. Market and Technology Assessment
    1. Test Procedure
    2. Product Classes
    3. Technology Assessment
    C. Screening Analysis
    D. Engineering Analysis
    1. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    2. Maximum Available and Maximum Technologically Feasible Levels
    3. Manufacturer Production Costs and Manufacturing Selling Price
    E. Distribution Channels and Markups Analysis
    F. Energy Use Analysis
    G. Repair and Maintenance Costs
    H. Shipments
    I. National Impact Analysis
    J. Manufacturer Impact Analysis
    K. Other Energy Conservation Standards Topics
    1. Market Failures
    2. Other
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    Microwave ovens are included in the list of ``covered products'' 
for which DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation 
standards and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(10)) DOE's energy 
conservation standards for microwave ovens are prescribed at 10 CFR 
430.32(j)(3). The following sections discuss DOE's authority to 
establish and amend energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, 
as well as relevant background information regarding DOE's 
consideration of energy conservation standards for this product.

[[Page 39981]]

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended 
(``EPCA''),\1\ among other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the 
energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and industrial 
equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA 
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other 
Than Automobiles. These products include kitchen ranges and ovens, 
including microwave ovens that are the subject of this document. (42 
U.S.C. 6292(a)(10))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 
Public Law 115-270 (October 23, 2018).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. Relevant provisions of EPCA specifically include 
definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), 
labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), energy conservation standards (42 
U.S.C. 6295), and the authority to require information and reports from 
manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297(a)-(c)) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal 
preemption in limited instances for particular State laws or 
regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set 
forth under 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
    EPCA prescribed energy conservation standards for kitchen ranges 
and ovens, and directed DOE to conduct two cycles of rulemakings to 
determine whether to amend standards for these products. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(h)(2)(A)-(B)) DOE completed the first of these rulemaking cycles 
by publishing a final rule on September 8, 1998, that codified the 
prescriptive standard established in EPCA,\3\ but found that no 
standards were justified for electric cooking products, including 
microwave ovens, at that time. 63 FR 48038. Additionally, DOE completed 
the second rulemaking cycle and published a final rule on April 8, 
2009, in which it determined, among other things, that standards for 
microwave oven active mode energy use were still not justified. 74 FR 
16040 (``April 2009 Final Rule''). Most recently, DOE published a final 
rule on June 17, 2013, adopting energy conservation standards for 
microwave oven standby mode and off mode. 78 FR 36316 (``June 2013 
Final Rule''). The current energy conservation standards for microwave 
ovens are located at 10 CFR 430.32(j)(3). The currently applicable DOE 
test procedures for microwave ovens appear at 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
B, appendix I (``Appendix I'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ EPCA requires that gas kitchen ranges and ovens having an 
electrical supply cord shall not be equipped with a constant burning 
pilot for products manufactured on or after January 1, 1990. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(h)(1))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPCA also requires that, not later than 6 years after the issuance 
of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE must publish 
either a notice of determination that the standards for the product do 
not need to be amended, or a NOPR including new proposed energy 
conservation standards (proceeding to a final rule, as appropriate). 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)) EPCA further provides that, not later than 3 
years after the issuance of a final determination not to amend 
standards, DOE must publish either a notice of determination that 
standards for the product do not need to be amended, or a NOPR 
including new proposed energy conservation standards (proceeding to a 
final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(3)(B)) DOE must make 
the analysis on which the determination is based publicly available and 
provide an opportunity for written comment. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(2)) In 
making a determination, DOE must evaluate whether more stringent 
standards would (1) yield a significant savings in energy use and (2) 
be both technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(m)(1)(A))
    DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information to 
inform its decision consistent with its obligations under EPCA.

B. Rulemaking Process

    DOE must follow specific statutory criteria for prescribing new or 
amended standards for covered products. EPCA requires that any new or 
amended energy conservation standard prescribed by the Secretary be 
designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy or water 
efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically justified. 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) To determine whether a standard is 
economically justified, EPCA requires that DOE determine whether the 
benefits of the standard exceed its burdens by considering, to the 
greatest extent practicable, the following seven factors:
    (1) The economic impact of the standard on the manufacturers and 
consumers of the affected products;
    (2) The savings in operating costs throughout the estimated average 
life of the product compared to any increases in the initial cost, or 
maintenance expenses;
    (3) The total projected amount of energy and water (if applicable) 
savings likely to result directly from the standard;
    (4) Any lessening of the utility or the performance of the products 
likely to result from the standard;
    (5) The impact of any lessening of competition, as determined in 
writing by the Attorney General, that is likely to result from the 
standard;
    (6) The need for national energy and water conservation; and
    (7) Other factors the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) considers 
relevant. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(I)-(VII))
    DOE fulfills these and other applicable requirements by conducting 
a series of analyses throughout the rulemaking process. Table I.1 shows 
the individual analyses that are performed to satisfy each of the 
requirements within EPCA.

       Table I.1--EPCA Requirements and Corresponding DOE Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            EPCA requirement                Corresponding DOE analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technological Feasibility..............   Market and Technology
                                          Assessment.
                                          Screening Analysis.
                                          Engineering Analysis.
Economic Justification:

[[Page 39982]]

 
    1. Economic impact on manufacturers   Manufacturer Impact
     and consumers.                       Analysis.
                                          Life-Cycle Cost and
                                          Payback Period Analysis.
                                          Life-Cycle Cost
                                          Subgroup Analysis.
                                          Shipments Analysis.
    2. Lifetime operating cost savings    Markups Analysis.
     compared to increased cost for the   Energy Use Analysis.
     product.                             Life-Cycle Cost and
                                          Payback Period Analysis.
    3. Total projected energy savings..   Shipments Analysis.
                                          National Impact
                                          Analysis.
    4. Impact on utility or performance   Screening Analysis.
                                          Engineering Analysis.
    5. Impact of any lessening of         Manufacturer Impact
     competition.                         Analysis.
    6. Need for national energy and       Shipments Analysis.
     water conservation.                  National Impact
                                          Analysis.
    7. Other factors the Secretary        Employment Impact
     considers relevant.                  Analysis.
                                          Utility Impact
                                          Analysis.
                                          Emissions Analysis.
                                          Monetization of
                                          Emission Reductions Benefits.
                                          Regulatory Impact
                                          Analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As detailed throughout this RFI, DOE is publishing this document 
seeking input and data from interested parties to aid in the 
development of the technical analyses on which DOE will ultimately rely 
to determine whether (and if so, how) to amend the standards for 
microwave ovens.

II. Request for Information and Comments

    In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues 
on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the technical and 
economic analyses regarding whether amended standards for microwave 
ovens may be warranted. Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other 
issues relevant to the conduct of this rulemaking that may not 
specifically be identified in this document. In particular, DOE notes 
that under Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' Executive Branch agencies such as DOE are directed 
to manage the costs associated with the imposition of expenditures 
required to comply with Federal regulations. 82 FR 9339. Consistent 
with that Executive Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input 
on measures DOE could take to lower the cost of its regulations 
applicable to microwave ovens while remaining consistent with the 
requirements of EPCA.
    Further, DOE seeks comment on whether there have been sufficient 
technological or market changes since the most recent standards update 
that may justify a new rulemaking to consider more stringent standards. 
Specifically, DOE seeks data and information that could enable the 
agency to determine whether DOE should propose a ``no new standard'' 
determination because a more stringent standard: (1) Would not result 
in a significant savings of energy; (2) is not technologically 
feasible; (3) is not economically justified; or (4) any combination of 
foregoing.

A. Products Covered by This Rulemaking

    This RFI covers those products that meet the definition of 
``microwave oven,'' as codified at 10 CFR 430.2. The definition for 
microwave ovens was most recently amended in a test procedure final 
rule published on January 18, 2013. 78 FR 4015.
    Specifically, as codified, ``microwave oven'' means a category of 
cooking products which is a household cooking appliance consisting of a 
compartment designed to cook or heat food by means of microwave energy, 
including microwave ovens with or without thermal elements designed for 
surface browning of food and convection microwave ovens. This includes 
any microwave oven(s) component of a combined cooking product.\4\ 10 
CFR 430.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Section 1.3 of Appendix I defines ``combined cooking 
product'' as a household cooking appliance that combines a cooking 
product with other appliance functionality, which may or may not 
include another cooking product. Combined cooking products include 
the following products: Conventional range, microwave/conventional 
cooking top, microwave/conventional oven, and microwave/conventional 
range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.2 define a 
``convection microwave oven'' as a microwave oven that incorporates 
convection features and any other means of cooking in a single 
compartment.
    For the purpose of the energy conservation standards, further 
distinction is made as to whether a microwave oven is a ``microwave-
only oven,'' ``countertop convection microwave oven,'' ``built-in 
microwave oven,'' or an ``over-the-range convection microwave oven.'' 
10 CFR 430.32(j)(3). ``Built-in'' means the product is enclosed in 
surrounding cabinetry, walls, or other similar structures on at least 
three sides, and can be supported by surrounding cabinetry or the 
floor. Section 1.2 of Appendix I. ``Microwave-only,'' ``countertop,'' 
and ``over-the-range'' are not explicitly defined.
    Issue A.1 DOE requests comment on whether the definitions for 
``microwave oven,'' ``convection microwave oven,'' and ``built-in'' (as 
that term pertains to microwave ovens) require any revisions--and if 
so, how those definitions should be revised.
    Issue A.2 DOE requests comment on whether definitions are necessary 
for ``microwave-only,'' ``countertop,'' and ``over-the-range'' and if 
so how those terms should be defined. DOE requests comment on whether 
additional product definitions are necessary to close any potential 
gaps in coverage between product types. DOE also seeks input on whether 
such products currently exist in the market or whether they are being 
planned for introduction. DOE also requests comment on opportunities to 
combine product classes that could reduce regulatory burden.

B. Market and Technology Assessment

    The market and technology assessment that DOE routinely conducts 
when analyzing the impacts of a potential new or amended energy 
conservation standard provides

[[Page 39983]]

information about the microwave oven industry that will be used in 
DOE's analysis throughout the rulemaking process. DOE uses qualitative 
and quantitative information to characterize the structure of the 
industry and market. DOE identifies manufacturers, estimates market 
shares and trends, addresses regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives 
intended to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption, and 
explores the potential for efficiency improvements in the design and 
manufacturing of microwave ovens. DOE also reviews product literature, 
industry publications, and company websites. Additionally, DOE 
considers conducting interviews with manufacturers to improve its 
assessment of the market and available technologies for microwave 
ovens.
1. Test Procedure
    DOE's test procedures for microwave ovens are codified in Appendix 
I. The test procedure was originally established in an October 3, 1997, 
final rule that addressed active mode energy use only. 62 FR 51976.
    On July 22, 2010, DOE published in the Federal Register a final 
rule for the microwave oven test procedure in which it repealed the 
regulatory provisions for establishing the cooking efficiency test 
procedure for microwave ovens under EPCA. 75 FR 42579 (``July 2010 TP 
Repeal Final Rule''). In the July 2010 TP Repeal Final Rule, DOE 
determined that the existing microwave oven test procedure to measure 
the cooking efficiency did not produce representative and repeatable 
test results. 75 FR 42579, 42581. DOE also stated that it was unaware 
of any test procedures that measured microwave oven cooking efficiency 
with representative and repeatable test results. Id.
    On March 9, 2011, DOE published an interim final rule establishing 
test procedures for microwave ovens regarding the measurement of the 
average standby mode and average off mode power consumption that 
incorporated by reference specific clauses from the International 
Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC'') Standard 62301, ``Household 
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' First Edition 
2005-06 (``IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition)''). 76 FR 12825. DOE also 
incorporated definitions of ``active mode,'' ``standby mode,'' and 
``off mode,'' as well as language to clarify the application of clauses 
from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition) for measuring standby mode and 
off mode power. Id.
    On January 18, 2013, DOE published a final rule amending the 
microwave oven test procedure to incorporate by reference certain 
provisions of IEC Standard 62301 Edition 2.0 2011-01, along with 
clarifying language, for the measurement of standby mode and off mode 
energy use. 78 FR 4015. DOE also confirmed that the microwave oven 
portion of a combined product is covered under the definition of 
``microwave oven'' at 10 CFR 430.2, but due to a lack of data and 
information, did not adopt provisions in the microwave oven test 
procedure to measure the standby mode and off mode energy use of the 
microwave portion. 78 FR 4015, 4017.
    On December 16, 2016, DOE published a final rule amending the 
cooking products test procedure to, in part, incorporate methods to 
calculate the annual standby mode and off mode energy consumption of 
the microwave oven component of a combined cooking product by 
allocating a portion of the combined low-power mode energy consumption 
measured for the combined cooking product to the microwave oven 
component using the estimated annual cooking hours for the given 
components comprising the combined cooking product. 81 FR 91418, 91438-
91439 (``December 2016 TP Final Rule'').
    On January 18, 2018, DOE published an RFI (the ``January 2018 TP 
RFI'') soliciting comment from interested parties on issues related to 
the microwave oven test procedure to determine whether amendments to 
the test procedure are warranted. In the January 2018 TP RFI, DOE 
identified issues related to the measurement of active mode, standby 
mode, and off mode energy use. 83 FR 02566. If DOE determines that 
amendments to the microwave oven test procedure are warranted, it would 
conduct any analysis for the standards rulemaking based on the amended 
test procedure.
    While there is currently no active mode test procedure for 
microwave ovens, DOE may consider an active mode test in the future. If 
DOE develops an active mode test procedure for microwave ovens, it must 
incorporate active mode, standby mode, and off mode energy use into a 
single integrated energy use metric, unless it is technically 
infeasible to do so, as required by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) If 
an integrated test procedure is technically infeasible, DOE must 
prescribe separate active mode, standby mode and off mode energy use 
test procedures, if separate tests are technically feasible. (Id.) EPCA 
also requires that when DOE adopts a standard for a covered product, it 
must, pursuant to criteria for adoption of standards at 42 U.S.C. 
6295(o), incorporate active mode, standby mode and off mode energy use 
into a single standard, if feasible, or adopt separate standards for 
such energy use for that product. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3))
    Issue B.1 DOE requests comment on the feasibility of incorporating 
active mode, standby mode and off mode energy use into a single 
standard for microwave ovens in the event that DOE develops an active 
mode test procedure.
2. Product Classes
    When evaluating and establishing energy conservation standards, DOE 
may divide covered products into product classes by the type of energy 
used, or by capacity or other performance-related features that justify 
a different standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q)) In making a determination 
whether capacity or another performance-related feature justifies a 
different standard, DOE must consider such factors as the utility of 
the feature to the consumer and other factors DOE deems appropriate. 
(Id.)
    For microwave ovens, the current energy conservation standards 
specified in 10 CFR 430.32(j)(3) are based on two product classes 
determined according to the following performance-related features that 
provide utility to the consumer, in terms of locations where the 
product may be installed and availability of additional cooking 
functions: Intended installation (i.e., countertop, built-in, or over-
the-range) and presence of convection heating components. Table II.1 
lists the current two product classes for microwave ovens.

           Table II.1--Current Microwave Oven Product Classes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Product class
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Microwave-only ovens and countertop convection microwave ovens.
2. Built-in and over-the-range convection microwave ovens.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These product classes were established in the June 2013 Final Rule 
for the purposes of setting energy conservation standards addressing 
standby mode and off mode energy use, and were determined to be 
warranted based on their different standby power performances. 78 FR 
36316, 36328-36329. DOE noted at the time that if, in the future, DOE 
considers whether active mode energy conservation standards are 
warranted, it may consider redefining the product classes according to 
the utility of performance

[[Page 39984]]

related features and energy use for both active mode and standby mode. 
78 FR 36316, 36329. DOE further stated that such revised product 
classes would not be limited by the product classes established for 
standby mode in the June 2013 Final Rule. Id.
    As discussed in section II.B.1 of this document, the current 
microwave oven test procedure in Appendix I includes provisions for 
measuring power consumption in standby mode and off mode only. DOE may 
consider in a separate rulemaking whether the microwave oven test 
procedure in Appendix I should be amended to include energy use in 
active mode, including the possibility of an integrated energy use 
metric that would account for energy use in active mode, standby mode, 
and off mode.
    Issue B.2 DOE requests feedback on the current microwave oven 
product classes and whether changes to these individual product classes 
and their descriptions should be made or whether certain classes should 
be merged or separated (such as separating microwave-only and 
countertop convection microwave ovens into separate product classes). 
DOE further requests feedback on whether combining certain classes 
could impact product utility by eliminating any performance-related 
features or impact the stringency of the current energy conservation 
standard for these products. DOE also requests comment on separating 
any of the existing product classes and whether it would impact product 
utility by eliminating any performance-related features or reduce any 
compliance burdens.
    Issue B.3 DOE seeks information regarding any other new or revised 
product classes it should consider for inclusion in its analysis in the 
event that the microwave oven test procedure addresses active mode 
energy use, including a potential integrated energy use metric.
    DOE is also aware that new configurations and features may be 
available for microwave ovens that may not have been available at the 
time of the last energy conservation standards analysis.
    Issue B.4 DOE seeks information regarding any other new product 
classes it should consider for inclusion in its analysis. Specifically, 
DOE requests information on the performance-related features that 
provide unique consumer utility and data detailing the corresponding 
impacts on energy use that would justify separate product classes 
(i.e., explanation for why the presence of these performance-related 
features would increase energy consumption).
    DOE is also aware of the introduction of combined cooking products 
that incorporate a microwave oven component. As discussed in section 
II.A of this document, combined cooking products are defined in 
Appendix I as household cooking appliances that combine a cooking 
product with other appliance functionality, which may or may not 
include another cooking product. Combined cooking products that 
incorporate a microwave oven may include the following products: 
Microwave ovens with a conventional cooking top, microwave ovens with a 
conventional oven, and microwave ovens with a conventional range. The 
microwave oven(s) component of a combined cooking product is considered 
a covered product under the definition of microwave ovens in 10 CFR 
430.2. In the June 2013 Final Rule, DOE noted that the test procedure 
in Appendix I at that time did not include methods for measuring the 
standby mode and off mode energy use for the microwave oven portion of 
a combined cooking product. As a result, DOE determined that the 
standby power standard levels for microwave ovens adopted in the June 
2013 Final Rule do not apply to the microwave portion of combined 
products. 78 FR 36316, 36328. As discussed in section II.B.1 of this 
document, DOE amended the cooking products test procedure in Appendix I 
in the December 2016 TP Final Rule to incorporate methods for 
calculating the annual standby mode and off mode energy consumption of 
the microwave oven component of a combined cooking product.
    Issue B.5 DOE requests information on the types of combined cooking 
products that include a microwave oven component that are available on 
the market. DOE also requests comment on how the microwave oven 
component of a combined cooking product should be considered in its 
potential analysis. DOE seeks information and data on the energy use of 
combined cooking products, including the energy use allocated to the 
microwave oven component.
3. Technology Assessment
    In analyzing the feasibility of potential new or amended energy 
conservation standards, DOE uses information about existing and past 
technology options and prototype designs to help identify technologies 
that manufacturers could use to meet and/or exceed a given set of 
energy conservation standards under consideration. In consultation with 
interested parties, DOE intends to develop a list of technologies to 
consider in its analysis. That analysis will likely include a number of 
the technology options DOE previously considered during its most recent 
rulemaking for microwave ovens. A complete list of those prior options 
appears in Table II.2. DOE notes that in addition to improvements in 
the technology options identified previously as part of the June 2013 
Final Rule, energy savings for microwave-only ovens may be achieved by 
replacing the typical filament cavity lamps (i.e., lamps that 
illuminates the interior of the microwave oven) with more efficient 
light emitting diodes (``LEDs''). This technology option is listed in 
Table II.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Descriptions of these technology options can be found in 
chapter 3 of the Technical Support Document for the April 2009 Final 
Rule (found in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2006-STD-0127-0097) and the June 2013 Final Rule 
(found in the docket at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2011-BT-STD-0048-0021)

Table II.2--Previously Considered Technology Options for Microwave Ovens
       From the April 2009 Final Rule and June 2013 Final Rule \5\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Active mode                          Standby mode
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Added insulation.....................  Lower-power display technologies.
Cooking sensors......................  Cooking sensors with no standby
                                        power requirement.
Dual magnetrons......................  Improved power supply and control
                                        board options.
Eliminated or improved ceramic         Automatic power-down of most
 stirrer cover.                         power-consuming components,
                                        including the clock display.
Improved fan efficiency.
Improved magnetron efficiency.

[[Page 39985]]

 
Improved power supply efficiency.
Modified wave guide.
Reflective surfaces.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Table II.3--New Technology Options for Microwave Ovens
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Active mode                   Standby mode and off mode
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light emitting diode (LED) cavity lamp   No additional technology
 (microwave-only ovens only).             options identified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue B.6 DOE seeks information on the standby power technologies 
listed in Table II.2 of this RFI regarding their applicability to the 
current market and how these technologies may impact the efficiency of 
microwave ovens as measured according to the DOE test procedure. DOE 
also seeks information on how these technologies may have changed since 
they were considered in the June 2013 Final Rule analysis. 
Specifically, DOE seeks information on the range of efficiencies or 
performance characteristics that are currently available for each 
technology option. Finally, DOE seeks information on whether any of 
these options have been superseded by newer technology and therefore no 
longer applicable.
    Issue B.7 DOE seeks information on the active mode technologies 
listed in Table II.2 of this RFI, including how they may be measured by 
a potential future microwave oven test procedure that includes active 
mode testing provisions and how they would be applicable to amended 
microwave oven standards. DOE seeks information on the range of 
efficiencies for various microwave oven components (e.g., fan motors, 
magnetrons, wave guides, and power supplies).
    Issue B.8 DOE seeks information on the technology listed in Table 
II.3 of this RFI regarding market adoption, costs, and any concerns 
with incorporating LED cavity lighting into microwave-only ovens (e.g., 
potential safety concerns, manufacturing/production/implementation 
issues, etc.). DOE seeks particular comment on whether and how consumer 
utility could be affected by a change in cavity lighting technologies 
(e.g., consumer preferences, repair/replacement rates, product 
functionality, etc.).
    Issue B.9 DOE seeks comment on other technology options that it 
should consider for inclusion in its analysis and if these technologies 
may impact product features or consumer utility.

C. Screening Analysis

    The purpose of the screening analysis is to evaluate the 
technologies that improve product efficiency to determine which 
technologies will be eliminated from further consideration and which 
will be passed to the engineering analysis for further consideration.
    DOE determines whether to eliminate certain technology options from 
further consideration based on the following criteria:
    (1) Technological feasibility. Technologies that are not 
incorporated in commercial products or in working prototypes will not 
be considered further.
    (2) Practicability to manufacture, install, and service. If it is 
determined that mass production of a technology in commercial products 
and reliable installation and servicing of the technology could not be 
achieved on the scale necessary to serve the relevant market at the 
time of the compliance date of the standard, then that technology will 
not be considered further.
    (3) Impacts on product utility or product availability. If a 
technology is determined to have significant adverse impact on the 
utility of the product to significant subgroups of consumers, or result 
in the unavailability of any covered product type with performance 
characteristics (including reliability), features, sizes, capacities, 
and volumes that are substantially the same as products generally 
available in the United States at the time, it will not be considered 
further.
    (4) Adverse impacts on health or safety. If it is determined that a 
technology will have significant adverse impacts on health or safety, 
it will not be considered further.

10 CFR part 430, subpart C, appendix A, 4(a)(4) and 5(b).
    Technology options identified in the technology assessment are 
evaluated against these criteria using DOE analyses and inputs from 
interested parties (e.g., manufacturers, trade organizations, and 
energy efficiency advocates). Technologies that pass through the 
screening analysis are referred to as ``design options'' in the 
engineering analysis. Technology options that fail to meet one or more 
of the four criteria are eliminated from consideration.
    Additionally, DOE notes that the four screening criteria do not 
directly address the propriety status of technology options. DOE only 
considers potential efficiency levels achieved through the use of 
proprietary designs in the engineering analysis if they are not part of 
a unique pathway to achieve that efficiency level (i.e., if there are 
other non-proprietary technologies capable of achieving the same 
efficiency level).
    In the April 2009 Final Rule and June 2013 Final Rule, DOE 
determined that all of the technology options for active mode and 
standby mode met the screening criteria. As a result, DOE did not 
screen out any technology options in the previous rulemaking analyses.
    Issue C.1 DOE requests feedback on what impact, if any, the four 
screening criteria described in this section would have on each of the 
technology options listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this document 
with respect to microwave ovens. Similarly, DOE seeks information 
regarding how these same criteria would affect any other technology 
options not already identified in this document with respect to their 
potential use in microwave ovens.

D. Engineering Analysis

    The engineering analysis estimates the cost-efficiency relationship 
of products at different levels of increased energy efficiency 
(``efficiency levels''). This relationship serves as the basis for the 
cost-benefit calculations for consumers, manufacturers, and the Nation. 
In determining the cost-efficiency relationship, DOE estimates the 
increase in manufacturer production

[[Page 39986]]

cost (``MPC'') associated with increasing the efficiency of products 
above the baseline, up to the maximum technologically feasible (``max-
tech'') efficiency level for each product class.
    DOE historically has used the following three methodologies to 
generate incremental manufacturing costs and establish efficiency 
levels (``ELs'') for analysis: (1) The design-option approach, which 
provides the incremental costs of adding to a baseline model design 
options that will improve its efficiency; (2) the efficiency-level 
approach, which provides the relative costs of achieving increases in 
energy efficiency levels, without regard to the particular design 
options used to achieve such increases; and (3) the cost-assessment (or 
reverse engineering) approach, which provides ``bottom-up'' 
manufacturing cost assessments for achieving various levels of 
increased efficiency, based on detailed cost data for parts and 
material, labor, shipping/packaging, and investment for models that 
operate at particular efficiency levels.
1. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    For each established product class, DOE selects a baseline model as 
a reference point against which any changes resulting from new or 
amended energy conservation standards can be measured. The baseline 
model in each product class represents the characteristics of common or 
typical products in that class. Typically, a baseline model is one that 
meets the current minimum energy conservation standards and provides 
basic consumer utility.
    Consistent with this analytical approach, DOE tentatively plans to 
consider the current minimum energy conservations standards (which are 
applicable to microwave ovens manufactured on or after June 17, 2016) 
to establish the baseline efficiency levels for standby power for each 
product class. The current standards for each product class are based 
on the maximum allowable average standby power in watts (W). The 
current standards for microwave ovens are found at 10 CFR 430.32(j)(3) 
and are presented in Table II.4 of this document.

  Table II.4--June 17, 2016 Microwave Oven Energy Conservation Standard
                                 Levels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Maximum  allowable
                    Product class                      average  standby
                                                             power
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microwave-Only Ovens and Countertop Convection                    1.0 W
 Microwave Ovens....................................
Built-In and Over-the-Range Convection Microwave                  2.2 W
 Ovens..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in section II.B.1 of this document, DOE may consider 
in a separate rulemaking whether the microwave oven test procedure in 
Appendix I should be amended to include energy use in active mode, 
including the possibility of an integrated energy use metric that would 
account for energy use in active mode, standby mode, and off mode, 
which could affect baseline energy efficiency levels.
    Issue D.1 DOE requests feedback on whether using the current 
established energy conservation standards for microwave ovens (i.e., 
the maximum standby power requirements) are appropriate baseline 
efficiency levels for DOE to apply to each product class in evaluating 
whether to amend the current energy conservation standards for these 
products. DOE requests data and suggestions to evaluate the baseline 
efficiency levels in order to better evaluate amending energy 
conservation standards for these products.
    Issue D.2 DOE seeks information regarding baseline efficiency 
levels in the event that the microwave oven test procedure addresses 
active mode energy use, including a potential integrated energy use 
metric. As interested parties have noted previously, microwave ovens do 
not vary significantly across countries.\6\ As a result, DOE seeks 
active mode energy use data for products using internationally-accepted 
active mode test procedures (e.g., IEC Standard 60705-Edition 4.1, 
``Household microwave ovens--Methods for measuring performance'' (``IEC 
Standard 60705 (Edition 4.1)'')) to characterize the baseline 
efficiency levels for each product class.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers comment on the 
February 4, 2013 test procedure NOPR for microwave ovens. Page 4 of 
document No. 27 in Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0023, available for 
review at https://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue D.3 DOE requests feedback on the appropriate baseline 
efficiency levels for any newly analyzed product classes that are not 
currently in place or for the contemplated combined product classes, as 
discussed in section II.B.2 of this document. For newly analyzed 
product classes, DOE requests energy use data to develop a baseline 
relationship between energy use and adjusted volume.
2. Maximum Available and Maximum Technologically Feasible Levels
    As part of DOE's analysis, the maximum available efficiency level 
is the highest efficiency unit currently available on the market. DOE 
also considers the max-tech efficiency level, which it defines as the 
level that represents the theoretical maximum possible efficiency if 
all available design options are incorporated in a model. In many 
cases, the max-tech efficiency level is not commercially available 
because it is not economically feasible.
    To inform its data collection in this RFI, DOE initially reviewed 
data in DOE's Compliance Certification Database to evaluate the range 
of standby power for microwave ovens available on the market.\7\ Figure 
II.1 and Figure II.2 of this RFI show the range of standby power among 
current models for each microwave oven product class.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ DOE's Compliance Certification Database is available for 
review at https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/products.html (accessed on April 19, 2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

[[Page 39987]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AU19.003

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
    The microwave oven test procedure in Appendix I specifies that for 
the microwave oven standby mode and off mode power measurement, if a 
microwave oven drops from a higher power state to a lower power state, 
sufficient time is allowed for the microwave oven to reach the lower 
power state before proceeding with the test measurement. DOE is aware 
that some microwave ovens available on the market are able to achieve 
very low standby power levels by incorporating an automatic function 
that turns off most power-consuming components, such as the clock 
display, once a period of inactivity has elapsed. DOE also notes that 
some manufacturers provide instructions for disabling this feature so 
that features such as the clock display remain on at all times, whereas 
others do not provide instructions for how to disable the automatic 
function. In the June 2013 Final Rule, DOE did not adopt energy 
conservation standards for microwave oven standby power at what was 
then determined to be the maximum technologically feasible efficiency 
level, which was based on this automatic power-down functionality, 
because the reduction in standby power would result in the loss of 
certain functions that provide utility to consumers, specifically the 
continuous clock display. 78 FR 36316, 36362.
    As discussed, DOE previously determined that energy conservation 
standards for active mode were not technologically feasible and 
economically justified. 74 FR 16040, 16087. Also as discussed, DOE 
repealed the test procedure for microwave ovens as it related to active 
mode, having determined that the microwave oven test procedure to 
measure the cooking efficiency did not produce representative and 
repeatable test results and that DOE was unaware of any test procedures 
that measured

[[Page 39988]]

microwave oven cooking efficiency with representative and repeatable 
test results. 75 FR 42579, 42581. In the event that DOE were to amend 
the microwave oven test procedure in Appendix I to include energy use 
in active mode, including the possibility of an integrated energy use 
metric, DOE would also consider efficiency levels associated with 
active mode efficiency improvements.
    Issue D.4 DOE seeks input on appropriate standby power efficiency 
levels to consider in a potential analysis for each microwave oven 
product class.
    Issue D.5 DOE seeks feedback on what design options would be 
incorporated at each efficiency level, and the efficiencies associated 
with those levels. As part of this request, DOE also seeks information 
as to whether there are limitations on the use of certain combinations 
of design options.
    Issue D.6 DOE welcomes comment on how microwave ovens that 
automatically power down power-consuming components should be 
considered in its potential analysis, including information on the 
consumer utility associated with the functions that are powered-down 
(e.g., continuous clock display). DOE seeks input on the number of 
models available on the market that incorporate such a feature and 
consumer usage data on how frequently consumers disable the automatic 
power-down function when this feature is available.
    Issue D.7 DOE seeks active mode energy use data for products using 
internationally-accepted active mode test procedures (e.g., IEC 
Standard 60705 (Edition 4.1)) to characterize the range of efficiency 
levels addressing this mode for each product class. DOE also requests 
information on the technologies currently on the market that would 
improve active mode energy consumption measured under such test 
procedures, the order in which manufacturers would likely add such 
technologies, and any issues with the combined use of certain 
technologies.
3. Manufacturer Production Costs and Manufacturing Selling Price
    As described at the beginning of this section, the main outputs of 
the engineering analysis are cost-efficiency relationships that 
describe the estimated increases in manufacturer production cost 
associated with higher-efficiency products for the analyzed product 
classes. For the April 2009 Final Rule and 2013 Final Rule, DOE 
developed the cost-efficiency relationships for active mode and standby 
mode, respectively, by estimating the efficiency improvements and costs 
associated with incorporating specific design options into the assumed 
baseline model for each analyzed product class.
    Issue D.8 DOE requests feedback on how manufacturers would 
incorporate the technology options listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 
of this RFI to increase energy efficiency in microwave ovens beyond the 
baseline. This includes information on the order in which manufacturers 
would incorporate the different technologies to incrementally improve 
the efficiencies of products. DOE also requests feedback on whether the 
increased energy efficiency would lead to other design changes that 
would not occur otherwise. DOE is also interested in information 
regarding any potential impact of design options on a manufacturer's 
ability to incorporate additional functions or attributes in response 
to consumer demand.
    Issue D.9 DOE also seeks input on the increase in MPC associated 
with incorporating each particular design option. Specifically, DOE is 
interested in whether and how the costs estimated for design options in 
the April 2009 Final Rule and 2013 Final Rule have changed since the 
time of that analysis. DOE also requests information on the investments 
necessary to incorporate specific design options, including, but not 
limited to, costs related to new or modified tooling (if any), 
materials, engineering and development efforts to implement each design 
option, and manufacturing/production impacts.
    Issue D.10 DOE requests comment on whether certain design options 
may not be applicable to (or incompatible with) specific product 
classes.
    To account for manufacturers' non-production costs and profit 
margin, DOE applies a non-production cost multiplier (the manufacturer 
markup) to the MPC. The resulting manufacturer selling price (``MSP'') 
is the price at which the manufacturer distributes a unit into 
commerce. For the June 2013 Final Rule, DOE used a manufacturer markup 
of 1.298 for both microwave oven product classes: (1) Microwave-only 
ovens and countertop convection microwave ovens, and (2) built-in and 
over-the-range convection microwave ovens.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ For a discussion on how manufacturer markups were 
established, see section 12.4.9.1 of the June 2013 Final Rule TSD at 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2011-BT-STD-0048-0021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue D.11 DOE requests feedback on whether a manufacturer markup 
of 1.298 is appropriate for all microwave ovens.

E. Distribution Channels and Markups Analysis

    To carry out the life-cycle cost (``LCC'') and payback period 
(``PBP'') calculations, DOE needs to determine the cost to the 
residential consumer of baseline products, and the cost of more-
efficient units the consumer would purchase under potential amended 
standards. By applying a multiplier called a ``markup'' to the MSP, DOE 
is able to estimate the residential consumer's price. In generating 
end-user price inputs for the LCC analysis and national impact analysis 
(``NIA''), DOE must identify distribution channels (i.e., how the 
products are distributed from the manufacturer to the consumer) and 
estimate relative sales volumes through each channel. In the June 2013 
Final Rule, DOE only accounted for the retail outlets distribution 
channel because data from the Association of Home Appliance 
Manufacturers (``AHAM'') 2005 Fact Book indicated that the overwhelming 
majority of residential appliances were sold through retail outlets.\9\ 
In that rulemaking, DOE did not include a separate distribution channel 
for microwave oven products included as part of a new home because DOE 
did not have enough information to characterize which of these products 
were ``pre-installed'' by builders in these new homes. Should 
sufficient information become available, DOE may consider including a 
separate distribution channel that includes a contractor in addition to 
the existing retail outlets distribution channel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ For a discussion on distribution channels for microwave 
ovens, see section 3.6.4 of the June 2013 Final Rule TSD at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2011-BT-STD-0048-0021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue E.1 DOE requests information on the existence of any 
distribution channels other than the retail outlet distribution channel 
that are used to distribute the products at issue into the market. DOE 
also requests data on the fraction of microwave oven sales in the 
residential sector that go through both a wholesaler/retailer and a 
contractor as well as the fraction of sales that go through any other 
identified channels.

F. Energy Use Analysis

    As part of the rulemaking process, DOE conducts an energy use 
analysis to identify how products are used by consumers, and thereby 
determine the energy savings potential of energy efficiency 
improvements. DOE bases the standby mode energy consumption of 
microwave ovens on the rated average standby power consumption as 
determined by the DOE test procedure and would base the active mode 
energy

[[Page 39989]]

consumption of microwave ovens on any amended DOE test procedure. Along 
similar lines, the energy use analysis is meant to represent typical 
energy consumption in the field.
    In the June 2013 Final Rule, DOE accounted for standby mode energy 
use by subtracting the microwave oven active mode hours from the total 
number of hours in the year and multiplying the result by typical 
standby power consumption.
    Issue F.1 DOE requests feedback and data on how a product's energy 
use changes with age and number of uses, and how the number and age of 
occupants in the household affects the product's energy use.
    Issue F.2 DOE requests information and data on the typical standby 
power consumption associated with microwave ovens.
    Issue F.3 DOE requests information and data on the typical active 
mode energy consumption and use associated with microwave ovens.

G. Repair and Maintenance Costs

    In the June 2013 Final Rule, DOE excluded repair and maintenance 
costs from its analysis because there was no evidence that repair and 
maintenance costs change by efficiency level.
    Issue G.1 DOE requests feedback and data on whether maintenance 
costs differ in comparison to the baseline maintenance costs for any of 
the specific technology options listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of 
this RFI. To the extent that these costs differ, DOE seeks supporting 
data and the reasons for those differences.
    Issue G.2 DOE requests information and data on the frequency of 
repair and repair costs by product class for the technology options 
listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this RFI. While DOE is 
interested in information regarding each of the listed technology 
options. DOE is also interested in whether consumers simply replace the 
products when they fail as opposed to repairing them.

H. Shipments

    DOE develops shipments forecasts of microwave ovens to calculate 
the national impacts of potential amended energy conservation standards 
on energy consumption, net present value (``NPV''), and future 
manufacturer cash flows. DOE shipments projections are based on 
available historical data broken out by product class and efficiency. 
Current sales estimates allow for a more accurate model that captures 
recent trends in the market.
    Issue H.1 DOE requests 2018 annual sales data (i.e., number of 
shipments) for microwave ovens by product class.
    Issue H.2 DOE requests 2018 data on the fraction of sales in the 
residential and commercial sector for microwave ovens.
    A table of the types of data requested for 2018 shipments in Issues 
H.1 and H.2 of this document can be found in Table II.5 of this RFI. 
Interested parties are also encouraged to provide additional shipments 
data as may be relevant.

                          Table II.5--Summary Table of Shipments-Related Data Requests
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Fraction of 2018  annual
                       Product class                          Annual sales  (number      sales to  residential
                                                                  sold in 2018)               sector  (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microwave-Only Ovens and Countertop Convection Microwave
 Ovens....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Built-In and Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Ovens....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If disaggregated fractions of annual sales are not available at the 
product type level, DOE requests more aggregated fractions of annual 
sales at the category level.
    Issue H.3 If available, DOE requests the same information in Table 
II.5 of this RFI for the previous five years (2013-2017).
    Issue H.4 DOE requests available sales data on the fraction of 
microwave oven sales by technology for the technology options listed in 
Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this RFI. DOE also requests information on 
any expected market trends in the popularity of those technology 
options.
    Issue H.5 DOE requests data and information on any trends in the 
microwave oven market that could be used to forecast expected trends in 
product class market share.
    Issue H.6 DOE requests input on any expected market trends for any 
new features, such as the potential for ``smart'' inter-connected 
microwave ovens, which may impact total energy consumption. To that 
end, on September 17, 2018, DOE published an RFI on the emerging smart 
technology appliance and equipment market. 83 FR 46886. In that RFI, 
DOE sought information to better understand market trends and issues in 
the emerging market for appliances and commercial equipment that 
incorporate smart technology. DOE's intent in issuing the RFI was to 
ensure that DOE did not inadvertently impede such innovation in 
fulfilling its statutory obligations in setting efficiency standards 
for covered products and equipment. DOE seeks comments, data, and 
information on the issues presented in the September 2018 RFI as they 
may be applicable to microwave ovens.

I. National Impact Analysis

    The purpose of the NIA is to estimate aggregate impacts of 
potential efficiency standards at the national level. Impacts reported 
by DOE include the national energy savings (``NES'') from potential 
standards and the national net present value (``NPV'') of the total 
consumer benefits. The NIA considers lifetime impacts of potential 
standards on microwave ovens shipped in a 30-year period that begins 
with the expected compliance date for amended standards.
    Analyzing impacts of potential amended energy conservation 
standards for microwave ovens requires a comparison of projected U.S. 
energy consumption with and without the amended standards. The 
forecasts contain projections of annual appliance shipments, the annual 
energy consumption of new microwave ovens, and the purchase price of 
new microwave ovens.
    A key component of DOE's estimates of NES and NPV would be the 
microwave oven energy efficiency forecasted over time for the no-
standards case and each of the potential standards cases. In the June 
2013 Final Rule, DOE based projections of no-standards-case shipment-
weighted efficiency (``SWEF'') for the microwave oven product classes 
on growth rates determined from historical data provided by AHAM. 78 FR 
36316, 36346. For a potential future rulemaking, DOE would expect to 
consider recent trends in efficiency and

[[Page 39990]]

input from interested parties to update product energy efficiency 
forecasts.
    Issue I.1 DOE seeks market share data showing the percentage of 
product shipments by efficiency level for each product class.

J. Manufacturer Impact Analysis

    The purpose of the manufacturer impact analysis (``MIA'') is to 
estimate the financial impact of amended energy conservation standards 
on manufacturers of microwave ovens, and to evaluate the potential 
impact of such standards on direct employment and manufacturing 
capacity. The MIA includes both quantitative and qualitative aspects. 
The quantitative part of the MIA primarily relies on the Government 
Regulatory Impact Model (``GRIM''), an industry cash-flow model adapted 
for microwave ovens, with the key output of industry net present value 
(``INPV''). The qualitative part of the MIA addresses the potential 
impacts of energy conservation standards on manufacturing capacity and 
industry competition, as well as factors such as product 
characteristics, impacts on particular subgroups of firms, and 
important market and product trends.
    As part of the MIA, DOE intends to analyze impacts of any amended 
energy conservation standards on subgroups of manufacturers of covered 
products, including small business manufacturers. DOE uses the Small 
Business Administration's (``SBA'') small business size standards to 
determine whether manufacturers qualify as small businesses, which are 
listed by the applicable North American Industry Classification System 
(``NAICS'') code.\10\ Manufacturing of microwave ovens is classified 
under NAICS 335220, ``Major Household Appliance Manufacturing,'' and 
the SBA sets a threshold of 1,500 employees or less for a domestic 
entity to be considered as a small business. This employee threshold 
includes all employees in a business' parent company and any other 
subsidiaries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Available online at: https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One aspect of assessing manufacturer burden involves examining at 
the cumulative impact of multiple DOE standards and the product-
specific regulatory actions of other Federal agencies that affect the 
manufacturers of a covered product or equipment. While any one 
regulation may not impose a significant burden on manufacturers, the 
combined effects of several existing or impending regulations may have 
serious consequences for some manufacturers, groups of manufacturers, 
or an entire industry. Assessing the impact of a single regulation may 
overlook this cumulative regulatory burden. In addition to energy 
conservation standards, other regulations can significantly affect 
manufacturers' financial operations. Multiple regulations affecting the 
same manufacturer can strain profits and lead companies to abandon 
product lines or markets with lower expected future returns than 
competing products. For these reasons, DOE conducts an analysis of 
cumulative regulatory burden as part of its rulemakings pertaining to 
appliance efficiency.
    Issue J.1 To the extent feasible, DOE seeks the names and contact 
information of any domestic or foreign-based manufacturers that 
distribute microwave ovens in the United States.
    Issue J.2 DOE identified small businesses as a subgroup of 
manufacturers that could be disproportionally impacted by amended 
energy conservation standards. DOE requests the names and contact 
information of small business manufacturers, as defined by the SBA's 
size threshold, of microwave ovens that distribute products in the 
United States. In addition, DOE requests comment on any other 
manufacturer subgroups that could be disproportionally impacted by 
amended energy conservation standards. DOE requests feedback on any 
potential approaches that could be considered to address impacts on 
manufacturers, including small businesses.
    Issue J.3 DOE requests information regarding the cumulative 
regulatory burden impacts on manufacturers of microwave ovens 
associated with (1) other DOE standards applying to different products 
that these manufacturers may also make and (2) product-specific 
regulatory actions of other Federal agencies. DOE also requests comment 
on its methodology for computing cumulative regulatory burden and 
whether there are any flexibilities it can consider that would reduce 
this burden while remaining consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

K. Other Energy Conservation Standards Topics

1. Market Failures
    In the field of economics, a market failure is a situation in which 
the market outcome does not maximize societal welfare. Such an outcome 
would result in unrealized potential welfare. DOE welcomes comment on 
any aspect of market failures, especially those in the context of 
amended energy conservation standards for microwave ovens.
2. Other
    In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE 
welcomes comment on any other aspect of energy conservation standards 
for microwave ovens not already addressed by the specific areas 
identified in this document.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by 
September 27, 2019, comments and information on matters addressed in 
this document and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of 
amended energy conservations standards for microwave ovens. After the 
close of the comment period, DOE will review the public comments 
received and may begin collecting data and conducting the analyses 
discussed in this RFI.
    Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://www.regulations.gov web page requires you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies Office staff only. 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. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to https://www.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 https://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments 
received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the 
information submitted. For

[[Page 39991]]

information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business 
Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through https://www.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 
www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal 
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or postal mail also will be posted to https://www.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 postal mail 
or hand delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if 
feasible. It is not necessary to submit printed copies. No 
telefacsimiles (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 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/courier 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).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing energy conservation standards. DOE actively 
encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the 
comment period in each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions 
with and between members of the public provide a balanced discussion of 
the issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes 
to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and 
information about this process or would like to request a public 
meeting should contact Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff 
at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

    Signed in Washington, DC, on August 6, 2019.
Alexander N. Fitzsimmons,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Efficiency Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2019-17322 Filed 8-12-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P