Department of Energy 2025 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule amends the Federal test procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps ("CAC/HPs") to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the applicable industry standards. Specifically, DOE is incorporating by reference the latest version of the relevant industry consensus test standard, AHRI 210/240-2024 (I-P) for the current test procedure for CAC/HPs ("appendix M1") for measuring the current cooling and heating metricsseasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 ("SEER2") and heating seasonal performance factor 2 ("HSPF2"). DOE is incorporating by reference the new industry consensus test standard, AHRI 1600-2024 (I-P), for a new test procedure ("appendix M2") for CAC/HPs that adopts two new metricsseasonal cooling and off-mode rating efficiency ("SCORE") and seasonal heating and off-mode rating efficiency ("SHORE"). Testing to the SCORE and SHORE metrics would not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE is amending certain provisions of DOE's regulations related to representations and enforcement for CAC/HPs.

The Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is issuing this interim final rule (IFR) to update, streamline, and relocate the policies, procedures, and provisions that are applicable to the award and administration of certain other transaction (OT) agreements awarded under DOE's OT authority provided in the Energy Policy Act of 2005's amendments to the Department of Energy Organization Act. DOE expects that the simplification of the implementing regulations will enable improved use OT Agreements beyond the Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs) contemplated in the original regulations. This IFR will promote more uniform application of this authority and the policies and provisions for the award and administration of it.