Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fans, Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document, 7758-7765 [2022-02719]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7758-7765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02719]


========================================================================
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.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 7758]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011]
RIN 1904-AE99


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Ceiling Fans, 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.

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

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 ceiling fans. The meeting 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 ceiling fans. 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=5.

DATES: 
    Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, from 
1 to 4 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, April 11, 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-2021-BT-STD-0011, 
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-2021-BT-STD-0011 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 the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal, email, 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 coronavirus 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-2021-BT-STD-0011. 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. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE-2J, 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 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 7759]]

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 ceiling fans, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(49); 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(i) and (B); and 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 
Public Law 117-58 (Nov. 15, 2021).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    EPCA established certain design requirements for ceiling fans. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1)(A)) EPCA also authorizes the Secretary to issue, 
subject to certain statutory criteria, energy efficiency or energy use 
standards for electricity used by ceiling fans to circulate air in a 
room. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(A)) In issuing such standards the 
Secretary shall consider exempting, or setting different standards for, 
certain product classes for which the primary standards are not 
technically feasible or economically justified; and establishing 
separate exempted product classes for highly decorative fans for which 
air movement performance is a secondary design feature. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(ff)(6)(B))
    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 ceiling fans. 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 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 
emissions 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. Accordingly, DOE 
evaluates the significance of energy savings on a case-by-case basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See 86 FR 70892, 70901 (Dec. 13, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, DOE evaluates the significance of energy on a case-by-
case basis. DOE estimates a combined total of 3.53 quads of FFC energy 
savings at the max-tech efficiency levels for ceiling fans, which 
represents 41 percent energy savings relative to the no-new-standards 
case energy consumption for ceiling fans. 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, initial charges, or maintenance 
expenses for 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.

[[Page 7760]]

 
                                          National Impact Analysis.
                                          Energy Analysis.
Technological Feasibility..............   Market and Technology Assessment.
                                          Screening Analysis.
                                          Engineering Analysis.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Economic Justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Economic impact on manufacturers and   Manufacturer Impact Analysis.
 consumers.
                                          Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis.
                                          Life-Cycle Cost Subgroup Analysis.
                                          Shipments Analysis.
2. Lifetime operating cost savings        Markups for Product Price Analysis.
 compared to increased cost for the
 product.
                                          Energy 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 Analysis.
 competition.
6. Need for national energy and water     Shipments Analysis.
 conservation.
                                          National Impact Analysis.
7. Other factors the Secretary            Employment Impact Analysis.
 considers relevant.
                                          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 ceiling fans 
address standby mode and off mode energy use. In this rulemaking, DOE 
intends to incorporate such energy use into any amended energy 
conservation standards it adopts in the final rule for small-diameter 
ceiling fans and establish a separate standard for large-diameter 
ceiling fan standby energy use.
    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 meeting 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

[[Page 7761]]

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 (after initiating the 
rulemaking process through an early assessment), 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 framework document. A framework document is intended 
to introduce and summarize 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 on May 7, 2021 (``May 2021 RFI'') in 
which DOE identified and sought data, information, and comment to 
evaluate whether the existing energy conservation standards for ceiling 
fans should be amended. 86 FR 24538, 24539. DOE provided an initial 30-
day comment period for the RFI, which was then extended for an 
additional 21 days. 86 FR 29704. As DOE is intending to rely on 
substantively the same analytical methods as in the most recent 
rulemaking for ceiling fans, publication of a framework document would 
be largely redundant with the published May 2021 RFI. DOE notes that 
eliminating unnecessary rulemaking documents allows DOE and 
stakeholders to use their resources more efficiently and does not 
unnecessarily delay the benefits of a potential energy conservation 
standard. DAs 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 May 2021 RFI on the analysis conducted in 
support of the last energy conservation standard rulemaking for ceiling 
fans. For this preliminary analysis, DOE has relied on many of the same 
analytical assumptions and approaches as used in the previous 
rulemaking and has determined that a 60-day comment period in 
conjunction with the prior comment period provides sufficient time for 
interested parties to review the preliminary analysis and develop 
comments.

II. Background

A. Current Standards

    In a final rule published on October 18, 2005, DOE codified the 
design standards prescribed by EPCA for ceiling fans. 70 FR 60407, 
60413. These standards are set forth in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 
430.32(s)(1) and require all ceiling fans manufactured on or after 
January 1, 2007 to have (1) fan speed controls separate from any 
lighting controls; (2) adjustable speed controls (either more than one 
speed or variable speed); and (3) the capability for reverse action 
(other than fans sold for industrial or outdoor application or where 
safety would be an issue). (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1)(A))
    In a final rule published on January 19, 2017 (``January 2017 Final 
Rule''), DOE prescribed the current energy conservation standards for 
ceiling fans manufactured in, or imported into, the United States on 
and after January 21, 2020. 82 FR 6826, 6827.
    On December 27, 2020, the Energy Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-260) was 
signed into law. The Energy Act of 2020 amended performance standards 
for large-diameter ceiling fans.\4\ (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as 
codified) Pursuant to the Energy Act of 2020, large-diameter ceiling 
fans are subject to standards in terms of the Ceiling Fan Energy Index 
(``CFEI'') metric, with one standard based on operation of the fan at 
high speed and a second standard based on operation of the fan at 40 
percent speed or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent 
speed. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as codified)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A large-diameter ceiling fan is a ceiling fan that is 
greater than seven feet in diameter. 10 CFR part 430 subpart B 
appendix U section 1.11.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 27, 2021, DOE published a final rule to amend the current 
regulations for large-diameter ceiling fans. 86 FR 28469 (``May 2021 
Technical Amendment'') The technical amendment was published to codify 
provisions enacted by Congress through the Energy Act of 2020. 
Specifically, section 1008 of the Energy Act of 2020 amended section 
325(ff)(6) of EPCA to specify that large-diameter ceiling fans 
manufactured on or after January 21, 2020, are not required to meet 
minimum ceiling fan efficiency requirements in terms of the ratio of 
the total airflow to the total power consumption as established in a 
final rule published January 19, 2017 (82 FR 6826; ``January 2017 Final 
Rule''), and instead are required to meet specified minimum efficiency 
requirements based on the CFEI metric. 86 FR 28469, 28469-28470.
    The current standards are set forth in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 
430.32(s) and are summarized in Table II.1.

   Table II.1--Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Product class as defined in Appendix U
         [of 10 CFR 430.32(s)]            Minimum efficiency (CFM/W) \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very small-diameter (VSD)..............  D <=12 in.: 21.
                                         D >12 in.: 3.16D--17.04.
Standard...............................  0.65D + 38.03.
Hugger.................................  0.29D + 34.46.
High-speed small-diameter (HSSD).......  4.16D + 0.02.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Product class as defined in Appendix U     Minimum efficiency (CFEI)
         [of 10 CFR 430.32(s)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans............  1.00 at high speed.
                                         1.31 at 40 percent speed or the
                                          nearest speed that is not less
                                          than 40 percent speed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ D is the ceiling fan's blade span, in inches, as determined in
  Appendix U of 10 CFR 430.32(s).


[[Page 7762]]

B. Current Process

    On May 7, 2021, DOE published a request for information 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 ceiling fans and a 
request for information. 86 FR 24538, 24539. Specifically, through the 
published request for information, 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 
results of each of these analyses is available at www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011.
    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, sections 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 ceiling fans. 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 product 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.

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

[[Page 7763]]

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\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Chapter 6 of the preliminary TSD provides details on DOE's 
development of markups for ceiling fans.

E. Energy Use Analysis

    The purpose of the energy use analysis is to determine the annual 
energy consumption of ceiling fans at different efficiencies in 
representative U.S. single-family homes, multi-family residences, 
commercial and industrial buildings, and to assess the energy savings 
potential of increased ceiling fan efficiency. The energy use analysis 
estimates the range of energy use of ceiling fans in the field (i.e., 
as they are actually used by consumers). The energy 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 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 (manufacturer selling price, distribution chain markups, sales 
tax, and installation costs) plus operating costs (expenses for energy 
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 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 amended 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 ceiling fans sold from 2027 through 2056.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The NIA accounts for impacts in the 50 states and U.S. 
territories.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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 product class if DOE adopted new or amended standards at specific 
energy efficiency levels for that class. For each efficiency level, DOE 
considers how a given standard would likely affect the market shares of 
product with efficiencies greater than the standard.
    DOE uses a software package written in the Python programming 
language to calculate the energy savings and the national consumer 
costs and savings at each standard level and in the no-new-standards 
case. The NIA model uses average 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 consumption, the base 
case efficiency projection, and discount rates.
    DOE estimates a combined total of 1.3 quads of site energy savings 
at the max- tech efficiency levels for ceiling fans. Combined site 
energy savings at Efficiency Level 1 for all product classes are 
estimated to be 0.3 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 
ceiling fans 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 of the webinar meeting are listed in the DATES 
section at the beginning of this document. If no participants register 
for the webinar, it will be cancelled. 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=5. 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 Microsoft Word, 
PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes the nature of 
their interest in this rulemaking and the topics they wish to discuss. 
Such persons should also provide a daytime telephone number where they 
can be reached.

[[Page 7764]]

    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 and may 
also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will 
not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but 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 rulemaking.
    The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE 
will present a general overview of the topics addressed in this 
rulemaking, allow time for prepared general statements by participants, 
and encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues 
affecting this rulemaking. 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 allows, 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 invites all interested parties, regardless of whether they 
participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by April 11, 
2022, comments and information on matters addressed in this 
notification and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of 
amended energy conservations standards for ceiling fans. Interested 
parties may submit comments, data, and other information 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 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 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

[[Page 7765]]

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 February 3, 
2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for 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 February 4, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-02719 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P