Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office February 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In this notice, the Department of Energy (DOE or Department) is forecasting the representative average unit costs of five residential energy sources for the year 2006 pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The five sources are electricity, natural gas, No. 2 heating oil, propane, and kerosene.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) requires that in the case of electric motors of 1 to 500 horsepower, Federal agencies shall select only premium efficient motors that meet a standard designated by the Secretary of Energy (Secretary). DOE today designates the energy efficient motor specifications, developed under Executive Order 13123, as the temporary standard for premium efficient motors for purposes of Federal purchasing. Consistent with public comment requirements for ``procurement policies'' in 41 U.S.C. 418b, DOE invites public comment on the temporary standard. DOE intends to finalize a standard after considering any public comments that are submitted. The temporary specifications are consistent with standards recommended by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and other energy efficiency groups.

The Department of Energy (hereafter ``the Department'') announces the filing of the California Energy Commission's Petition for Exemption from Federal Preemption of California's Water Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers (hereafter ``California Petition''). To help the Department evaluate the California Petition's request, the Department invites interested members of the public to submit comments they may have on the California Petition and information related to the evaluation factors outlined in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.