Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Dishwashers, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document, 3450-3457 [2022-01157]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 15 (Monday, January 24, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3450-3457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01157]


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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. 87, No. 15 / Monday, January 24, 2022 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 3450]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2019-BT-STD-0039]
RIN 1904-AE32


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Dishwashers, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical 
Support Document

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

ACTION: Notification of a webinar and availability of preliminary 
technical support document.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'') 
will hold a webinar to discuss and receive comments on the preliminary 
analysis it has conducted for purposes of evaluating energy 
conservation standards for dishwashers. The webinar will cover the 
analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE is using to evaluate 
potential standards for this product; the results of preliminary 
analyses performed by DOE for this product; the potential energy 
conservation standard levels derived from these analyses that DOE could 
consider for this product should it determine that proposed amendments 
are necessary; and any other issues relevant to the evaluation of 
energy conservation standards for dishwashers. In addition, DOE 
encourages written comments on these subjects. To inform interested 
parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has prepared an agenda, a 
preliminary technical support document (``TSD''), and briefing 
materials, which are available on the DOE website at: 
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=38&action=viewlive.

DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, 
from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. See section IV, ``Public Participation,'' 
for webinar registration information, participant instructions and 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
    Comments: Written comments and information will be accepted on or 
before, March 25, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons 
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2019-BT-STD-0039, 
by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: To [email protected]. Include docket 
number EERE-2019-BT-STD-0039 in the subject line of the message.
    No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section IV of this document.
    Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions 
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand 
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make 
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of 
the ongoing corona virus 2019 (``COVID-19'') pandemic. DOE is currently 
suspending receipt of public comments via postal mail and hand 
delivery/courier. If a commenter finds that this change poses an undue 
hardship, please contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 
586-1445 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once the 
COVID-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates 
resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission, 
including postal mail and hand delivery/courier.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, public meeting transcripts, and other 
supporting documents/materials, is available for review at 
www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the 
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 www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2019-BT-STD-0039. The docket web page contains instructions on how 
to access all documents, including public comments in the docket. See 
section IV for information on how to submit comments through 
www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Email: [email protected].
    Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. Email: 
[email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment, 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
    B. Rulemaking Process
    C. Deviation From Appendix A
II. Background
    A. Current Standards
    B. Current Process
III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE
    A. Market and Technology Assessment
    B. Screening Analysis
    C. Engineering Analysis
    D. Markups Analysis
    E. Energy and Water Use Analysis
    F. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses
    G. National Impact Analysis
IV. Public Participation
    A. Participation in the Webinar
    B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution
    C. Conduct of the Webinar
    D. Submission of Comments
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

[[Page 3451]]

I. Introduction

A. Authority

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\ 
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number of 
consumer products and certain 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 dishwashers, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 
6292(a)(6))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 
27, 2020).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    EPCA prescribed energy conservation standards for these products 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(g)(1) and 10(A)), and directs DOE to conduct future 
rulemakings to determine whether to amend these standards. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(g)(4)) EPCA further provides that, not later than 6 years after 
the issuance of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE 
must publish either a notification of determination that standards for 
the product do not need to be amended, or a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (``NOPR'') including new proposed energy conservation 
standards (proceeding to a final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 
6295(m)(1)) Not later than three years after 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))
    Under EPCA, any new or amended energy conservation standard must be 
designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that 
DOE determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) Furthermore, the new or amended standard must 
result in a significant conservation of energy. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(3)(B))
    DOE is publishing this Preliminary Analysis 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, including dishwashers. As 
noted, EPCA requires that any new or amended energy conservation 
standard prescribed by the Secretary of Energy (``Secretary'') be 
designed to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency (or 
water efficiency for certain products specified by EPCA) that is 
technologically feasible and economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(2)(A)) Furthermore, DOE may not adopt any standard that would 
not result in the significant conservation of energy. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(3)) The Secretary may not prescribe an amended or new standard 
that will not result in significant conservation of energy, or is not 
technologically feasible or economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(3))
    To adopt any new or amended standards for a covered product, DOE 
must determine that such action would result in significant energy 
savings. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B)) The significance of energy savings 
offered by a new or amended energy conservation standard cannot be 
determined without knowledge of the specific circumstances surrounding 
a given rulemaking.\3\ For example, the United States rejoined the 
Paris Agreement on February 19, 2021. As part of that agreement, the 
United States has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (``GHG'') 
emissions in order to limit the rise in mean global temperature. As 
such, energy savings that reduce GHG emission have taken on greater 
importance. Additionally, some covered products and equipment have most 
of their energy consumption occur during periods of peak energy demand. 
The impacts of these products on the energy infrastructure can be more 
pronounced than products with relatively constant demand. In evaluating 
the significance of energy savings, DOE considers differences in 
primary energy and full-fuel-cycle (``FFC'') effects for different 
covered products and equipment when determining whether energy savings 
are significant. Primary energy and FFC effects include the energy 
consumed in electricity production (depending on load shape), in 
distribution and transmission, and in extracting, processing, and 
transporting primary fuels (i.e., coal, natural gas, petroleum fuels), 
and thus present a more complete picture of the impacts of energy 
conservation standards.
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    \3\ See 86 FR 70892, 70901 (Dec. 13, 2021).
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    Accordingly, DOE evaluates the significance of energy savings on a 
case-by-case basis. DOE estimates a combined total of 0.68 quads of FFC 
energy savings at the max-tech efficiency levels for dishwashers. This 
represents 7.6 percent energy savings relative to the no-new-standards 
case energy consumption for dishwashers. DOE has initially determined 
the energy savings for the candidate standard levels considered in this 
preliminary analysis are ``significant'' within the meaning of 42 
U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(B).
    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 products subject to the standard;
    (2) The savings in operating costs throughout the estimated 
average life of the covered products in the type (or class) compared 
to any increase in the price of, or in the initial charges for, or 
maintenance expenses of, the covered products that are likely to 
result from the standard;
    (3) The total projected amount of energy (or as applicable, 
water) 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Significant Energy Savings.............   Shipments Analysis.
                                          National Impact
                                          Analysis.
                                          Energy and Water Use
                                          Analysis.

[[Page 3452]]

 
Technological Feasibility..............   Market and Technology
                                          Assessment.
                                          Screening Analysis.
                                          Engineering Analysis.
Economic Justification:                  ...............................
    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 for Product
     compared to increased cost for the   Price Analysis.
     product.                             Energy and Water Use
                                          Analysis.
                                          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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, EPCA establishes a rebuttable presumption that a standard 
is economically justified if the Secretary finds that the additional 
cost to the consumer of purchasing a product complying with an energy 
conservation standard level will be less than three times the value of 
the energy savings during the first year that the consumer will receive 
as a result of the standard, as calculated under the applicable test 
procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(iii))
    EPCA also contains what is known as an ``anti-backsliding'' 
provision, which prevents the Secretary from prescribing any amended 
standard that either increases the maximum allowable energy use or 
decreases the minimum required energy efficiency of a covered product. 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(1)) Also, the Secretary may not prescribe an amended 
or new standard if interested persons have established by a 
preponderance of the evidence that the standard is likely to result in 
the unavailability in the United States in any covered product type (or 
class) of performance characteristics (including reliability), 
features, sizes, capacities, and volumes that are substantially the 
same as those generally available in the United States. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(o)(4))
    Additionally, EPCA specifies requirements when promulgating an 
energy conservation standard for a covered product that has two or more 
subcategories. DOE must specify a different standard level for a type 
or class of product that has the same function or intended use, if DOE 
determines that products within such group: (A) Consume a different 
kind of energy from that consumed by other covered products within such 
type (or class); or (B) have a capacity or other performance-related 
feature which other products within such type (or class) do not have 
and such feature justifies a higher or lower standard. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(q)(1)) In determining whether a performance-related feature 
justifies a different standard for a group of products, DOE must 
consider such factors as the utility to the consumer of the feature and 
other factors DOE deems appropriate. Id. Any rule prescribing such a 
standard must include an explanation of the basis on which such higher 
or lower level was established. (42 U.S.C. 6295(q)(2))
    Finally, pursuant to the amendments contained in the Energy 
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (``EISA 2007''), Public Law 110-
140, any final rule for new or amended energy conservation standards 
promulgated after July 1, 2010, is required to address standby mode and 
off mode energy use. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)) Specifically, when DOE 
adopts a standard for a covered product after that date, it must, if 
justified by the criteria for adoption of standards under EPCA (42 
U.S.C. 6295(o)), incorporate standby mode and off mode energy use into 
a single standard, or, if that is not feasible, adopt a separate 
standard for such energy use for that product. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(3)(A)-(B)) DOE's current test procedures for dishwashers 
address standby mode and off mode energy use. In this document, DOE 
intends to incorporate such energy use into any amended energy 
conservation standards it adopts in the final rule.
    Before proposing a standard, DOE typically seeks public input on 
the analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE intends to use to 
evaluate standards for the product at issue and the results of 
preliminary analyses DOE performed for the product.
    DOE is examining whether to amend the current standards pursuant to 
its obligations under EPCA. This notification announces the 
availability of the preliminary TSD, which details the preliminary 
analyses and summarizes the preliminary results of DOE's analyses. In 
addition, DOE is announcing a public webinar to solicit feedback from 
interested parties on its analytical framework, models, and preliminary 
results.

C. Deviation From Appendix A

    In accordance with section 3(a) of 10 CFR part 430, subpart C, 
appendix A (``appendix A''), DOE notes that it is deviating from the 
provision in appendix A regarding the pre-NOPR stages for an energy 
conservation standards rulemaking. Section 6(a)(2) of appendix A states 
that if the Department determines it is appropriate to proceed with a 
rulemaking, the preliminary stages of a rulemaking to issue or amend an 
energy conservation standard that DOE will undertake will be a 
framework document and preliminary analysis, or an advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking (``ANOPR''). DOE is opting to deviate from this 
step by publishing a preliminary analysis without a

[[Page 3453]]

framework document. A framework document is intended to introduce and 
summarize generally the various analyses DOE conducts during the 
rulemaking process and requests initial feedback from interested 
parties. As discussed further in the following section, prior to this 
notification of the preliminary analysis, DOE issued an early 
assessment request for information (``RFI'') in which DOE discussed the 
most recent energy conservation standards rulemaking (81 FR 90072; 
December 13, 2016 (the ``December 2016 Final Determination'')). 85 FR 
64981 (Oct. 14, 2020) (the ``October 2020 Early Assessment RFI''). In 
the October 2020 Early Assessment RFI, DOE also requested comment on 
whether there were changes to the technologies considered as part of 
the December 2016 Final Determination that would affect whether DOE 
could propose a ``no-new standards determination'' and on any aspect of 
its economic justification analysis. 85 FR 64981, 64983. DOE provided a 
75-day comment period for the October 2020 Early Assessment RFI. 85 FR 
64981. While DOE received comments on the assumptions employed in the 
analysis conducted in support of the December 2016 Final Determination 
(see e.g., comment from the Association of Home Appliance 
Manufacturers, Docket EERE-2019-BT-STD-0039, No. 6 at pp. 8-9), DOE did 
not receive comments or data suggesting DOE rely on a different 
analytical framework to that conducted for the December 2016 Final 
Determination. As DOE is intending to rely on substantively the same 
analytical methods as in the most recent rulemaking, publication of a 
framework document would not introduce an analytical framework 
different from that on which comment was requested in the early 
assessment RFI and on which comment was received. As such, DOE is not 
publishing a framework document.
    Section 6(d)(2) of appendix A specifies that the length of the 
public comment period for pre-NOPR rulemaking documents will vary 
depending upon the circumstances of the particular rulemaking, but will 
not be less than 75 calendar days. For this preliminary analysis, DOE 
has opted to instead provide a 60-day comment period. As stated, DOE 
requested comment in the October 2020 Early Assessment RFI on the 
analysis conducted in support of the December 2016 Final Determination 
and provided stakeholders a 75-day comment period. For this preliminary 
analysis, DOE has relied on substantively the same analytical framework 
as used in the previous rulemaking. As stated, DOE did not receive 
comments in response to the October 2020 Early Assessment RFI 
suggesting a change to DOE's approach. Given that DOE is relying on 
substantively the same analytical approach as conducted for the 
December 2016 Final Determination, DOE has determined that a 60-day 
comment period in conjunction with the prior 75-day comment period 
provides sufficient time for interested parties to review the tentative 
methodologies and the preliminary analysis, and develop comments.

II. Background

A. Current Standards

    In a direct final rule published on May 30, 2012 (``May 2012 Direct 
Final Rule''), DOE prescribed the current energy conservation standards 
for dishwashers manufactured on and after May 30, 2013. 77 FR 31918. In 
the December 2016 Final Determination, DOE concluded that amended 
energy conservation standards would not be economically justified at 
any level above the standards established in the May 2012 Direct Final 
Rule, and therefore determined not to amend the standards. 81 FR 90072. 
The current energy and water conservation standards are located in 10 
CFR part 430, Sec.  430.32(f), and are repeated in Table II.1. The 
currently applicable DOE test procedure for dishwashers appears at 10 
CFR part 430 subpart B, appendix C1 (``Appendix C1'').

    Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Dishwashers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Maximum annual   Maximum per-cycle
     Dishwasher classification      energy use * (kWh/ water consumption
                                          year)         (gallons/cycle)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard Dishwasher...............                307                5.0
Compact Dishwasher................                222                3.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Using 215 annual cycles.

    On October 30, 2020, DOE published a final rule establishing a 
separate product class for standard-size dishwashers with a cycle time 
for the ``normal'' cycle of less than one hour (i.e., 60 minutes) from 
washing through drying. 85 FR 68723. Subsequently, on August 11, 2021, 
DOE published a NOPR proposing to revoke the final rule that 
established the new product class for dishwashers. 86 FR 43970. On 
January 11, 2022, DOE issued a final rule revoking the final rule that 
established a new product class for dishwashers.\4\ Accordingly, DOE 
addressed only the two current product classes for dishwashers as part 
of the present evaluation.
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    \4\ Energy Conservation Program: Product Classes for Residential 
Dishwashers, Residential Clothes Washers, and Consumer Clothes 
Dryers. https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/short-cycle-product-class-fr.pdf.
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B. Current Process

    In the October 2020 Early Assessment RFI, DOE stated that it was 
initiating an early assessment review to determine whether any new or 
amended standards would satisfy the relevant requirements of EPCA for a 
new or amended energy conservation standard for dishwashers. 85 FR 
64981. Specifically, DOE sought 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. Id.
    Comments received to date as part of the current process have 
helped DOE identify and resolve issues related to the preliminary 
analyses. Chapter 2 of the preliminary TSD summarizes and addresses the 
comments received.

III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE

    For the products covered in this preliminary analysis, DOE 
conducted in-depth technical analyses in the following areas: (1) 
Engineering; (2) markups to determine product price; (3) energy use; 
(4) life-cycle cost (``LCC'') and payback period (``PBP''); and (5) 
national impacts. The preliminary TSD that presents the methodology and

[[Page 3454]]

results of each of these analyses is available at www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=38&action=viewlive.
    DOE also conducted, and has included in the preliminary TSD, 
several other analyses that support the major analyses or are 
preliminary analyses that will be expanded if DOE determines that a 
NOPR is warranted to propose amended energy conservation standards. 
These analyses include: (1) The market and technology assessment; (2) 
the screening analysis, which contributes to the engineering analysis; 
and (3) the shipments analysis, which contributes to the LCC and PBP 
analysis and the national impact analysis (``NIA''). In addition to 
these analyses, DOE has begun preliminary work on the manufacturer 
impact analysis and has identified the methods to be used for the 
consumer subgroup analysis, the emissions analysis, the employment 
impact analysis, the regulatory impact analysis, and the utility impact 
analysis. DOE will expand on these analyses in the NOPR should one be 
issued.

A. Market and Technology Assessment

    DOE develops information in the market and technology assessment 
that provides an overall picture of the market for the products 
concerned, including general characteristics of the products, the 
industry structure, manufacturers, market characteristics, and 
technologies used in the products. This activity includes both 
quantitative and qualitative assessments, based primarily on publicly 
available information. The subjects addressed in the market and 
technology assessment include: (1) A determination of the scope of the 
rulemaking and product classes, (2) manufacturers and industry 
structure, (3) existing efficiency programs, (4) shipments information, 
(5) market and industry trends, and (6) technologies or design options 
that could improve the energy efficiency of the product.
    See chapter 3 of the preliminary TSD for further discussion of the 
market and technology assessment.

B. Screening Analysis

    DOE uses the following five screening criteria to determine which 
technology options are suitable for further consideration in an energy 
conservation standards rulemaking:
    (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 and reliable installation and servicing 
of a technology in commercial products could not be achieved on the 
scale necessary to serve the relevant market at the time of the 
projected compliance date of the standard, then that technology will 
not be considered further.
    (3) Impacts on product utility or product availability. If it is 
determined that a technology would have a significant adverse impact on 
the utility of the product for significant subgroups of consumers or 
would 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 would have significant adverse impacts on health or safety, 
it will not be considered further.
    (5) Unique-pathway proprietary technologies. If a design option 
utilizes proprietary technology that represents a unique pathway to 
achieving a given efficiency level, that technology will not be 
considered further due to the potential for monopolistic concerns. 10 
CFR part 430, subpart C, appendix A, 6(b)(3) and 7(b).
    If DOE determines that a technology, or a combination of 
technologies, fails to meet one or more of the listed five criteria, it 
will be excluded from further consideration in the engineering 
analysis.
    See chapter 4 of the preliminary TSD for further discussion of the 
screening analysis.

C. Engineering Analysis

    The purpose of the engineering analysis is to establish the 
relationship between the efficiency and cost of dishwashers. There are 
two elements to consider in the engineering analysis; the selection of 
efficiency levels to analyze (i.e., the ``efficiency analysis'') and 
the determination of product cost at each efficiency level (i.e., the 
``cost analysis''). In determining the performance of higher-efficiency 
products, DOE considers technologies and design option combinations not 
eliminated by the screening analysis. For each product class, DOE 
estimates the manufacturer production cost (``MPC'') for the baseline 
as well as higher efficiency levels. The output of the engineering 
analysis is a set of cost-efficiency ``curves'' that are used in 
downstream analyses (i.e., the LCC and PBP analyses and the NIA).
    DOE converts the MPC to the manufacturer selling price (``MSP'') by 
applying a manufacturer markup. The MSP is the price the manufacturer 
charges its first customer, when selling into the dishwasher 
distribution channels. The manufacturer markup accounts for 
manufacturer non-production costs and profit margin. DOE developed the 
manufacturer markup by examining publicly available financial 
information for manufacturers of the covered product.
    See chapter 5 of the preliminary TSD for additional detail on the 
engineering analysis and chapter 12 of the preliminary TSD for 
additional detail on the manufacturer markup.

D. Markups Analysis

    The markups analysis develops appropriate markups (e.g., retailer 
markups, distributor markups, contractor markups) in the distribution 
chain and sales taxes to convert MSP estimates derived in the 
engineering analysis to consumer prices, which are then used in the LCC 
and PBP analysis. At each step in the distribution channel, companies 
mark up the price of the product to cover business costs and profit 
margin.
    DOE developed baseline and incremental markups for each actor in 
the distribution chain. Baseline markups are applied to the price of 
products with baseline efficiency, while incremental markups are 
applied to the difference in price between baseline and higher-
efficiency models (the incremental cost increase). The incremental 
markup is typically less than the baseline markup and is designed to 
maintain similar per-unit operating profit before and after new or 
amended standards.\5\
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    \5\ Because the projected price of standards-compliant products 
is typically higher than the price of baseline products, using the 
same markup for the incremental cost and the baseline cost would 
result in higher per-unit operating profit. While such an outcome is 
possible, DOE maintains that in markets that are reasonably 
competitive it is unlikely that standards would lead to a 
sustainable increase in profitability in the long run.
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    Chapter 6 of the preliminary TSD provides details on DOE's 
development of markups for dishwashers.

E. Energy and Water Use Analysis

    The purpose of the energy and water use analysis is to determine 
the annual energy consumption of dishwashers at different efficiencies 
in representative U.S. single-family homes, multi-family residences, 
and mobile homes, and to assess the energy and water savings

[[Page 3455]]

potential of increased dishwasher efficiency. The energy and water use 
analysis estimates the range of energy and water use of dishwashers in 
the field (i.e., as they are actually used by consumers). The energy 
and water use analysis provides the basis for other analyses DOE 
performed, particularly assessments of the energy savings and the 
savings in consumer operating costs that could result from adoption of 
amended or new standards.
    Chapter 7 of the preliminary TSD addresses the energy and water use 
analysis.

F. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses

    The effect of new or amended energy conservation standards on 
individual consumers usually involves a reduction in operating cost and 
an increase in purchase cost. DOE used the following two metrics to 
measure consumer impacts:
     The LCC is the total consumer expense of an appliance or 
product over the life of that product, consisting of total installed 
cost (MSP, distribution chain markups, sales tax, and installation 
costs) plus operating costs (expenses for energy and water use, 
maintenance, and repair). To compute the operating costs, DOE discounts 
future operating costs to the time of purchase and sums them over the 
lifetime of the product.
     The PBP is the estimated amount of time (in years) it 
takes consumers to recover the increased purchase cost (including 
installation) of a more-efficient product through lower operating 
costs. DOE calculates the PBP by dividing the change in purchase cost 
at higher efficiency levels by the change in annual operating cost for 
the year that the amended or new standards are assumed to take effect.
    Chapter 8 of the preliminary TSD addresses the LCC and PBP 
analyses.

G. National Impact Analysis

    The NIA estimates the national energy savings (``NES'') and the net 
present value (``NPV'') of total consumer costs and savings expected to 
result from dishwasher standards at specific efficiency levels 
(referred to as candidate standard levels).\6\ DOE calculates the NES 
and NPV for the potential standard levels considered based on 
projections of annual product shipments, along with the annual energy 
consumption and total installed cost data from the energy use and LCC 
analyses. For the present analysis, DOE projected the energy savings, 
operating cost savings, product costs, and NPV of consumer benefits 
over the lifetime of dishwashers sold from 2027 through 2056.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The NIA accounts for impacts in the 50 states.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE evaluates the impacts of new or amended standards by comparing 
a case without such standards (``no-new-standards case'') with 
standards-case projections. The no-new-standards case characterizes 
energy and water use and consumer costs for each product class in the 
absence of new or amended energy conservation standards. For this 
projection, DOE considers historical trends in efficiency and various 
forces that are likely to affect the mix of efficiencies over time. DOE 
compares the no-new-standards case with projections characterizing the 
market for each dishwasher product class if DOE adopted new or amended 
standards at specific efficiency levels for that class. For each 
efficiency level, DOE considers how a given standard would likely 
affect the market shares of dishwashers with efficiencies greater than 
the standard.
    DOE uses a spreadsheet model to calculate the energy savings and 
the national consumer costs and savings from each efficiency level. 
Interested parties can review DOE's analyses by changing various input 
quantities within the spreadsheet. The NIA spreadsheet model uses 
typical values (as opposed to probability distributions) as inputs. 
Critical inputs to this analysis include shipments projections, 
estimated product lifetimes, product installed costs and operating 
costs, product annual energy and water consumption, the no-new-
standards case and standards case efficiency projections, and discount 
rates.
    DOE estimates a combined total of 0.4 quads of site energy savings 
at the max-tech efficiency levels for dishwashers. Combined site energy 
savings at Efficiency Level 1 for both product classes are estimated to 
be 0.003 quads.
    Chapter 10 of the preliminary TSD addresses the NIA.

IV. Public Participation

    DOE invites public participation in this process through 
participation in the webinar and submission of written comments and 
information. After the webinar and the closing of the comment period, 
DOE will consider all timely-submitted comments and additional 
information obtained from interested parties, as well as information 
obtained through further analyses. Following such consideration, the 
Department will publish either a determination that the standards for 
dishwashers need not be amended or a NOPR proposing to amend those 
standards. The NOPR, should one be issued, would include proposed 
energy conservation standards for the products covered by that 
rulemaking, and members of the public would be given an opportunity to 
submit written and oral comments on the proposed standards.

A. Participation in the Webinar

    The time and date for the webinar meeting are listed in the DATES 
section at the beginning of this document. Webinar registration 
information, participant instructions, and information about the 
capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on 
DOE's website: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=38&action=viewlive. Participants are 
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar 
software.

B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for 
Distribution

    Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this 
document, or who is representative of a group or class of persons that 
has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an 
oral presentation at the webinar. Such persons may submit such request 
to [email protected]. Persons who wish to speak 
should include with their request a computer file in WordPerfect, 
Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes 
the nature of their interest in this document and the topics they wish 
to discuss. Such persons should also provide a daytime telephone number 
where they can be reached.
    Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of 
their interest in this document and provide a telephone number for 
contact. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to 
submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks before 
the webinar. At its discretion, DOE may permit persons who cannot 
supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those 
persons have made advance alternative arrangements with the Building 
Technologies Office. As necessary, requests to give an oral 
presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements.

C. Conduct of the Webinar

    DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar/public 
meeting and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. 
The meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, 
but

[[Page 3456]]

DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6306). A court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and 
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of 
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of 
the webinar. There shall not be discussion of proprietary information, 
costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters regulated by 
U.S. anti-trust laws. After the webinar and until the end of the 
comment period, interested parties may submit further comments on the 
proceedings and any aspect of the document.
    The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE 
will present summaries of comments received before the webinar, allow 
time for prepared general statements by participants, and encourage all 
interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this 
document. Each participant will be allowed to make a general statement 
(within time limits determined by DOE), before the discussion of 
specific topics. DOE will permit, as time permits, other participants 
to comment briefly on any general statements.
    At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit 
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should 
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants 
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of 
participants concerning other matters relevant to this rulemaking. The 
official conducting the webinar will accept additional comments or 
questions from those attending, as time permits. The presiding official 
will announce any further procedural rules or modification of the above 
procedures that may be needed for the proper conduct of the webinar.
    A transcript of the webinar will be included in the docket, which 
can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning of 
this document. In addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript 
from the transcribing reporter.

D. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
preliminary analysis no later than the date provided in the DATES 
section at the beginning of this notification of a webinar and 
availability of preliminary technical support document. Interested 
parties may submit comments using any of the methods described in the 
ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this document.
    Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The 
www.regulations.gov web page will require 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 itself 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. If this instruction is followed, 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 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 www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received 
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information 
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential 
Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through 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. Comments and documents submitted via 
email also will be posted to 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 in 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. No faxes will be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that are not 
secured, that are written in English, and that 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. Pursuant 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 to [email protected] 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. DOE will make its own determination about the 
confidential status of the information and treat it according to its 
determination.
    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).

V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this 
notification of a webinar and availability of preliminary technical 
support document.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on January 16, 
2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Energy

[[Page 3457]]

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from 
the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and 
date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in 
compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the 
undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to 
sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as 
an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative 
process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-01157 Filed 1-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P