[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 87 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24538-24546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09703]



[[Page 24538]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

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


Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for 
Consumer Products; Early Assessment Review; Ceiling Fans

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking an 
early assessment review for amended energy conservation standards for 
ceiling fans to determine whether to amend applicable energy 
conservation standards for this product. Specifically, through this 
request for information (``RFI''), DOE seeks data and information to 
evaluate whether amended energy conservation standards would result in 
significant savings of energy; be technologically feasible; and be 
economically justified. DOE welcomes written comments from the public 
on any subject within the scope of this document (including those 
topics not specifically raised in this RFI), as well as the submission 
of data and other relevant information concerning this early assessment 
review.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before June 7, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, by email to the following address: 
[email protected]. Include ``Ceiling Fans Early 
Assessment Energy Conservation Standard RFI'' and docket number EERE-
2021-BT-STD-0011 and/or RIN number 1904-AE99 in the subject line of the 
message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, 
PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special character or 
any form of encryption.
    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 Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently accepting only 
electronic submissions at this time. 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.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the http://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: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=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 III for information on how to submit 
comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. 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 or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope
    B. Significant Savings of Energy
    1. Energy Use Analysis
    2. Shipments
    C. Technological Feasibility
    1. Technology Options
    2. Screening of Technology Options
    3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade Span
    4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
    D. Economic Justification
    1. Cost Analysis
    2. Markups Analysis
    3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis
    4. Net Present Value
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    DOE has established an early assessment review process to conduct a 
more focused analysis to evaluate, based on statutory criteria, whether 
a new or amended energy conservation standard is warranted. Based on 
the information received in response to the RFI and DOE's own analysis, 
DOE will determine whether to proceed with a rulemaking for a new or 
amended energy conservation standard. If DOE makes an initial 
determination that a new or amended energy conservation standard would 
satisfy the applicable statutory criteria or DOE's analysis is 
inconclusive, DOE would undertake the preliminary stages of a 
rulemaking to issue a new or amended energy conservation standard. If 
DOE makes an initial determination based upon available evidence that a 
new or amended energy conservation standard would not meet the 
applicable statutory criteria, DOE would engage in notice and comment 
rulemaking before issuing a final determination that new or amended 
energy conservation standards are not warranted.

A. Authority

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\ 
among other things, 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 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and

[[Page 24539]]

enforcement procedures. Relevant provisions of EPCA include definitions 
(42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions 
(42 U.S.C. 6294), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and 
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 
U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297(a)-(c)) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal 
preemption in limited instances for particular State laws or 
regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set 
forth under 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
    DOE must follow specific statutory criteria for prescribing new or 
amended standards for covered products. EPCA requires that any new or 
amended energy conservation standard prescribed by the Secretary of 
Energy (``Secretary'') be designed to achieve the maximum improvement 
in energy or water efficiency that is technologically feasible and 
economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) 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))
    EPCA also requires that, not later than 6 years after the issuance 
of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE evaluate the 
energy conservation standards for each type of covered product, 
including those at issue here, and publish either a notification of 
determination that the standards do not need to be amended, or a NOPR 
that includes new proposed energy conservation standards (proceeding to 
a final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)) DOE is publishing 
this RFI in accordance with the 6-year lookback requirement.

B. Rulemaking History

    In a final rule published on October 18, 2005, DOE codified design 
standards prescribed by EPCA for ceiling fans. 70 FR 60407, 60413. 
These standards are set forth in DOE's regulations at title 10 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') section 430.32(s), 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 January 19, 2017, DOE established energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans, which are expressed as the 
minimum allowable efficiency in terms of cubic feet per minute per watt 
(``CFM/W''), as a function of ceiling fan diameter in inches. These 
standards were to apply to all covered ceiling manufactured in, or 
imported into, the United States on and after January 21, 2020. 82 FR 
6826, 6827 (``January 2017 Final Rule'').
    The Energy Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-260), which was signed into law 
on December 27, 2020, amended performance standards for large-diameter 
ceiling fans.\3\ (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 Efficiency 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)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 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 1.14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current energy conservation standards are located in 10 CFR 
430.32(s). The currently applicable DOE test procedures for ceiling 
fans appear at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U, Uniform Test 
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans (``Appendix 
U''). Sampling and certification requirements for ceiling fans are set 
forth at 10 CFR 429.32.

II. Request for Information

    DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information during 
the early assessment review to inform its decision, consistent with its 
obligations under EPCA, as to whether the Department should proceed 
with an energy conservation standards rulemaking. Below DOE has 
identified certain topics for which information and data are requested 
to assist in the evaluation of the potential for amended energy 
conservation standards. DOE also welcomes comments on other issues 
relevant to its early assessment that may not specifically be 
identified in this document.

A. Scope

    EPCA defines a ``ceiling fan'' as ``a nonportable device that is 
suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan 
blades.'' (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) DOE has established seven product 
classes for ceiling fans: Highly decorative, belt-driven, very small-
diameter, hugger, standard, high-speed small-diameter, and large-
diameter fans. 82 FR 6826, 6836 Belt-driven and highly decorative 
ceiling fans are not presently subject to performance standards. 10 CFR 
430.32(s)(2)(ii)(C) and (E). DOE also has not established performance 
standards for centrifugal ceiling fans, oscillating ceiling fans, or 
ceiling fans whose blades' plane of rotation cannot be within 45 
degrees of horizontal fans. 10 CFR 430.32(s)(2)(ii)(A), (B), and (D). 
The five product classes subject to performance standards are 
delineated by fan diameter, blade thickness, and blade-to-ceiling 
distance. Those product classes are: High-speed small-diameter 
(``HSSD''), hugger, large-diameter (``LDCF''), standard, and very-
small-diameter (``VSD'') as defined in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, 
appendix U.
    Issue 1: DOE requests comment and data that would allow DOE to 
evaluate whether energy conservation standards would be technically 
feasible and economically justified for belt-driven ceiling fans. 
Specifically, DOE requests comment on the number of models of belt-
driven ceiling fans available, the number of shipments, and the 
technology options that might be incorporated to improve energy 
efficiency.
    Issue 2: DOE seeks information regarding any other new product 
classes it should consider for inclusion in its analysis. DOE also 
requests relevant data detailing the corresponding impacts on energy 
use that would justify separate product classes (i.e., explanation for 
why the presence of these performance-related features would increase 
or decrease energy consumption).

B. Significant Savings of Energy

    In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE established an energy 
conservation standard for ceiling fans that is expected to result in 
2.01 quadrillion British thermal units (``quads'') of full fuel cycle 
(FFC) energy savings over a 30-year period. 82 FR 6826, 6828. 
Additionally, in the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE estimated that an 
energy conservation standard established at an energy use level 
equivalent to that achieved using the maximum available technology 
(``max-tech'') relative to the selected energy use level would have

[[Page 24540]]

resulted in 1.73 additional quads of FFC energy savings.\4\ 82 FR 6826, 
6874.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ DOE determined this amount by subtracting the FFC energy 
from TSL 5 (max-tech) from the FFC energy from TSL 4 (current 
standard); 3.74-2.01 = 1.73 quads.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While DOE's request for information is not limited to the following 
issues, DOE is particularly interested in comment, information, and 
data on the following topics to inform whether potential amended energy 
conservation standards would result in a significant savings of energy.
1. Energy Use Analysis
    As part of the rulemaking process, DOE conducts an energy use 
analysis to identify how products are used by consumers, and thereby 
determine the energy savings potential of energy efficiency 
improvements. DOE bases the energy consumption of ceiling fans on their 
rated power usage as determined by the DOE test procedure and as 
provided from the engineering analysis. The energy use analysis is 
meant to represent typical energy consumption in the field.
    For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE combined the ceiling fan power 
ratings from the engineering analysis with estimates of the 
distribution of annual operating hours in field operating conditions. 
DOE assumed that all standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans with 
brushless direct current (``DC'') motors and 7 percent of those fans 
with alternating current (``AC'') motors (which were estimated to have 
a remote control) have standby power consumption. For such ceiling 
fans, DOE assumed a power usage of 0.7 watts and that all hours of the 
year not in active mode were in standby mode. 82 FR 6826, 6846.
    For HSSD and large-diameter ceiling fans, DOE assumed 12 hours per 
day, on average, of active mode operation. DOE assumed that HSSD 
ceiling fans spend approximately 10 percent of the time at high and 10 
percent at low speeds, with the remaining 80 percent of the time spent 
at medium speed. 82 FR 6826, 6847. For LDCFs, DOE assumed an equal 
proportion of time spent at each of the speeds tested according to the 
DOE test procedure for ceiling fans. 81 FR 48619, 48632-48633. As with 
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans, DOE estimated hours of 
operation in standby mode for HSSD and LDCFs as the number of hours not 
spent in active mode. DOE assumed HSSD ceiling fans with DC motors had 
standby power consumption of 0.7 watts. For LDCFs, DOE assumed a 
standby power consumption of 7 watts, regardless of motor type. 82 FR 
6826, 6847. For details on the energy use analysis, see chapter 7 of 
the January 2017 Final Rule Technical Support Document (``2017 CF ECS 
TSD'').\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The 2017 CF ECS TSD can be found here: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045-0149.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 3: DOE requests comment and data on the assumptions used in 
the January 2017 Final Rule regarding the daily operating hours and the 
proportion of time spent at each speed setting for ceiling fans, 
specifically HSSD and LDCFs.
    Issue 4: DOE requests data and feedback on the fraction of 
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans with remote controls, and 
therefore standby power consumption.
    Issue 5: DOE requests comment on whether any of the smart 
technologies available on the market would impact the efficiency of 
ceiling fans as measured by DOE's test procedure at 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, appendix U. Specifically, DOE seeks comment on whether smart 
technologies improve the efficiency of ceiling fans or impact the 
number of operating hours in each mode. DOE additionally requests data 
regarding the comparative energy use of fans with and without smart 
technology.
2. Shipments
    DOE develops shipments forecasts of ceiling fans to calculate the 
national impacts of potential amended energy conservation standards on 
energy consumption, net present value (``NPV''), and future 
manufacturer cash flows. DOE shipments projections are based on 
available historical data broken out by product class and efficiency. 
Current sales estimates allow for a more accurate model that captures 
recent trends in the market.
    For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE relied on various sources for 
estimating historical shipments data for ceiling fans. For standard, 
hugger, and VSD ceiling fans, DOE used data from Appliance magazine's 
Statistical Review from 1991-2006, data from ENERGY STAR Annual Reports 
from 2003-2013, and data purchased from NPD Research group from 2007-
2011. DOE disaggregated shipments between standard, hugger, and VSD 
product classes based on the relative fraction of model counts found 
online and in-store and feedback from manufacturers. DOE was unable to 
find historical shipments data for HSSD and LDCFs; therefore, DOE 
primarily relied on manufacturer feedback and available model counts 
online to estimate shipments. 82 FR 6826, 6853. For details on the 
shipments methodology used in the previous rulemaking, see chapter 9 of 
the 2017 CF ECS TSD. Table II.1 shows estimated annual shipments by 
product class from 2016 to 2020.

                                  Table II.1--Annual Shipments for Ceiling Fans
                                                [Thousand units]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Year                   Standard         Hugger            VSD            HSSD            LDCF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016............................           9,718           9,216              76             540              11
2017............................          10,015           9,499              78             554              12
2018............................          10,232           9,704              80             564              14
2019............................          10,296           9,765              81             571              15
2020............................          10,258           9,729              82             542              15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 6: DOE requests historical ceiling fan shipments data for 
each product class listed in section II.A and seeks feedback on how the 
annual shipments estimates shown in Table II.1 compare to the actual 
shipments in those years. If disaggregated shipments data are not 
available at the product class level, DOE requests shipments data at 
any broader available category (e.g., residential vs. commercial and 
industrial sectors).

C. Technological Feasibility

    During the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE considered a number of 
technologies for reducing ceiling fan energy consumption. 82 FR 6826, 
6837-6838. DOE is interested in understanding any technology

[[Page 24541]]

improvements relative to ceiling fans since the previous energy 
standards rulemaking. Additionally, DOE is interested in any changes to 
the technologies it evaluated in preparation for the January 2017 Final 
Rule that may affect whether DOE could propose a ``no-new-standards'' 
determination, such as an insignificant increase in the range of 
efficiencies and performance characteristics of these technology 
options. DOE also seeks comment on whether there are any other 
technology options that DOE should consider in its analysis.
    While DOE's request for information is not limited to the following 
issues, DOE is particularly interested in comment, information, and 
data on the following.
1. Technology Options
    In analyzing the feasibility of potential new or amended energy 
conservation standards, DOE uses information about existing and past 
technology options and prototype designs to help identify technologies 
that manufacturers could use to meet and/or exceed a given set of 
energy conservation standards under consideration. A complete list of 
the options considered in the January 2017 Final Rule appears in Table 
II.2. Table II.3 lists additional technology options that DOE may 
consider in a future ceiling fan energy conservation standards 
rulemaking that were not considered in the January 2017 Final Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ NEMA Premium Motors Information Page: https://www.nema.org/Policy/Energy/Efficiency/Pages/NEMA-Premium-Motors.aspx.

    Table II.2--Technology Options for Ceiling Fans Considered in the
               Development of the January 2017 Final Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Technology option                       Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan optimization..................  This represents increasing the
                                     efficiency of a fan by adjusting
                                     existing fan design features. These
                                     adjustments could include changing
                                     blade pitch, fine-tuning motor RPM,
                                     and/or changing internal motor
                                     characteristics.
More Efficient Motors:
    Larger direct drive single-     This represents increasing the mass
     phase induction motors.         and/or choosing steel with better
                                     energy efficiency characteristics
                                     for the stator and rotor stack,
                                     improving the lamination design,
                                     increasing the cross section and/or
                                     length of the copper wiring inside
                                     the motor.
    Three-phase induction motors..  Three-phase induction motors have
                                     lower thermal energy losses than
                                     typical single-phase motors
                                     typically found in residential line-
                                     power applications. They also have
                                     a more even torque on the rotor
                                     resulting in a more efficient
                                     rotation and less motor ``hum.'' In
                                     residential applications, an
                                     electronic drive would be necessary
                                     to convert single-phase power into
                                     three-phase.
    Brushless DC Motor............  In residential applications,
                                     brushless DC motors typically
                                     consist of a permanent magnet
                                     synchronous AC motor that is driven
                                     by a multi-pole electronic drive
                                     system. Similar to DC motors,
                                     brushless DC motors typically
                                     achieve better efficiency that
                                     standard AC motors because they
                                     have no rotor energy losses.
    Geared Brushless DC motor in    Fans with brushless DC geared motors
     LDCFs.                          have fan blades attached to the
                                     motor via a geared mechanism.
    Gearless Brushless DC motor in  A brushless DC motor drives the fan
     LDCFs.                          blades directly without the use of
                                     a geared mechanism, avoiding drive
                                     efficiency losses associated with
                                     the gearbox.
    Premium AC motor in LDCFs.....  Premium AC motors are NEMA
                                     Premium[supreg] motors that are
                                     highly energy efficient electric
                                     motors. A motor can be marketed as
                                     a NEMA Premium motor if it meets or
                                     exceeds a set of minimum full-load
                                     efficiency levels.\6\ Such NEMA
                                     motors are available in integral
                                     horsepower capacities (i.e., 1
                                     hp+).
More Efficient Blades:
    Curved Blades.................  Curved blades are blades for which
                                     the centerline of the blade cross
                                     section is cambered. Curved blades
                                     generally have uniform thickness
                                     and no significant internal volume.
    Airfoil Blades................  Airfoil blades use curved surfaces
                                     to improve aerodynamics, but the
                                     thickness is not uniform, and the
                                     top and bottom surfaces do not
                                     follow the same path from leading
                                     edge to trailing edge. Airfoil
                                     blades typically do not operate as
                                     efficiently in reverse, potentially
                                     impacting consumer utility on
                                     models where reverse flow was an
                                     option.
    Twisted Blades................  Twisted blades reduce aerodynamic
                                     drag and improve efficiency by
                                     decreasing the blade pitch or twist
                                     from where the blade attaches to
                                     the motor casing to the blade tip.
    Blade attachments.............  Blade attachments refer to upswept
                                     blade tips or other components that
                                     can be fastened to a fan blade to
                                     potentially increase airflow or
                                     reduce drag.
    Beveled Blades................  Beveled blades are typically beveled
                                     at the blade edges from the motor
                                     casing to the blade tip. Beveled
                                     fan blades are more aerodynamic
                                     than traditional fan blades.
    Alternative Blade Materials...  Use of alternative materials could
                                     enable more complex and efficient
                                     blade shapes (plywood vs MDF vs
                                     injection molded resin, for
                                     example).
Ceiling Fan Control Sensors:
    Occupancy Sensors.............  Occupancy sensors use technologies
                                     that detect the presence of people
                                     through movement, body heat, or
                                     other means. Ceiling fans with an
                                     occupancy sensor could power down
                                     if they sense that a room is
                                     unoccupied.
    Wind and Temperature Sensors..  Wind and temperature sensors detect
                                     temperature changes in the
                                     surrounding space, or potential
                                     wind speed reductions below certain
                                     thresholds. Ceiling fans could
                                     potentially adjust fan speed based
                                     on the wind and temperature in the
                                     space the ceiling fan is located
                                     when coupled with these sensors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 24542]]


      Table II.3--Potential New Technology Options for Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Technology option                       Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permanent Magnet DC Motor (Brushed  Permanent magnets are located on the
 DC Motors).                         motor stator with brushes
                                     contacting a commutator on the
                                     rotor. These are more efficient
                                     than AC motors but require more
                                     maintenance than AC motors since
                                     the brushes wear out.
Self-Balancing Systems............  Some fans advertise a self-balancing
                                     system that prevents wobbling of
                                     the fan blades. The advertised
                                     benefits include reduction in noise
                                     and improvements in blade
                                     aerodynamics. An improvement in
                                     blade aerodynamics is generally
                                     expected to reduce energy fan
                                     consumption.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While DOE's compliance certification database does not currently 
have manufacturers report efficiency, DOE's market research, along with 
public databases like the California Energy Commissions (``CEC'') 
Modern Appliance Efficiency Database System and the Energy Star 
Certified Ceiling Fans Database, indicate that many ceiling fans on the 
market exceed DOE's maximum-technologically (``max-tech'') feasible 
designs presented in the January 2017 Final Rule.
    Issue 7: DOE seeks information on the technologies listed in Table 
II.2 of this document regarding their applicability to the current 
market and how these technologies may impact the efficiency of ceiling 
fans as measured according to the DOE test procedure. DOE also seeks 
information on how these technologies may have changed since they were 
considered in the January 2017 Final Rule analysis. Specifically, DOE 
seeks information on the range of efficiencies or performance 
characteristics that are currently available for each technology option 
as well as the impact of each on availability of ceiling fan features 
or consumer utility.
    Issue 8: DOE seeks information on the technologies listed in Table 
II.3 of this document regarding their market adoption, costs, and any 
concerns with incorporating them into products (e.g., impacts on 
consumer utility, potential safety concerns, manufacturing/production/
implementation issues, etc.). Further, DOE seeks comment on other 
technology options not listed in Table II.3 of this document that it 
should consider for inclusion in its analysis and if these technologies 
may impact product feature availability or consumer utility.
    Issue 9: As DOE assesses the technologies listed in Table II.2 and 
Table II.3 of this document for LDCFs, DOE seeks information about the 
relationship between the CFM/W and the CFEI metric. Specifically, DOE 
requests comment about whether the technologies that improve the 
efficiency in terms of CFM/W also improve efficiency in terms of CFEI. 
Further, DOE seeks airflow and power usage data at high speed and at 40 
percent speed (or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent 
speed) for LDCFs currently on the market.
    Issue 10: DOE seeks feedback on what additional design options are 
incorporated in the commercially available products that exceed DOE's 
max-tech. Specifically, DOE requests comment on the fans present in the 
CEC Modern Appliance Efficiency Database System and the Energy Star 
Certified Ceiling Fans Database that exceed DOE's previous max-tech 
efficiency levels and whether this increase is due to new technology 
options that would represent a new max-tech model or a sacrifice of 
consumer utility.
    Issue 11: DOE requests feedback on whether, and if so how, 
manufacturers would incorporate the technology options listed in Table 
II.2 and Table II.3 of this document to increase energy efficiency in 
ceiling fans beyond the baseline. This includes information on the 
order in which manufacturers would incorporate the different 
technologies to incrementally improve the efficiencies of products from 
the baseline through the max-tech designs (and beyond max-tech designs 
where possible). As part of this request, DOE seeks information as to 
whether there are limitations on the use of certain combinations of 
design options. DOE also requests feedback on whether the increased 
energy efficiency would lead to other design changes that would not 
occur otherwise. DOE is also interested in information regarding any 
potential impact of design options on a manufacturer's ability to 
incorporate additional functions or attributes in response to consumer 
demand.
    Issue 12: DOE requests comment on whether certain design options 
may not be applicable to (or are incompatible with) specific product 
classes.
2. Screening of Technology Options
    The purpose of the screening analysis is to evaluate the 
technologies that improve equipment efficiency to determine which 
technologies will be eliminated from further consideration and which 
will be passed to the engineering analysis for further consideration. 
DOE determines whether to eliminate certain technology options from 
further consideration based on technological feasibility; 
practicability to manufacture, install, and service; adverse impacts on 
product utility or product availability; adverse impacts on health or 
safety; and unique-pathway proprietary technologies. 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart C, appendix A, 6(c)(3) and 7(b).
    Technology options identified in the technology assessment are 
evaluated against these criteria using DOE analyses and inputs from 
interested parties (e.g., manufacturers, trade organizations, and 
energy efficiency advocates). Technologies that pass through the 
screening analysis are referred to as ``design options'' in the 
engineering analysis. Technology options that fail to meet one or more 
of the five criteria are eliminated from consideration.
    Table II.4 summarizes the technology options that DOE screened out 
in the January 2017 Final Rule, and the applicable screening criteria. 
Most technologies were eliminated because of significant adverse 
impacts on the utility of the equipment to a considerable number of 
consumer subgroups. 82 FR 6826, 6837-6839. Three-phase induction motors 
were not considered as a design option for standard, hugger, VSD, and 
HSSD fans, primarily because three-phase power is extremely uncommon in 
residential applications. Large direct-drive single-phase induction 
motors were screened out for HSSD and LDCF because HSSD manufacturers 
indicated that HSSD ceiling fans already use the most efficient size of 
AC induction motors, while LDCF manufacturers stated that increasing 
the size of the motor in a LDCF will not improve energy efficiency. See 
chapter 4 of the 2017 CF ECS TSD.

[[Page 24543]]



                                Table II.4--Previously Screened Out Technology Options From the January 2017 Final Rule *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Screening criteria (X = Basis for screening out)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Practicability to                       Adverse
                                                                     Technological      manufacture,     Adverse impact    impacts on    Unique- pathway
                    Screened technology option                        feasibility       install, and       on product      health and      proprietary
                                                                                          service           utility          safety        technologies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three-phase induction motors (Standard, hugger, and HSSD ceiling                 X   .................  ...............  ..............  ...............
 fans)............................................................
Beveled blades....................................................  ...............  .................               X   ..............  ...............
Twisted blades....................................................  ...............  .................               X   ..............  ...............
Blade attachments.................................................  ...............  .................               X   ..............  ...............
Alternative blade materials.......................................  ...............  .................               X   ..............  ...............
Occupancy, wind, and temperature sensors..........................  ...............  .................               X   ..............  ...............
Single-phase direct-drive induction motors (Large diameter ceiling               X   .................  ...............  ..............  ...............
 fans)............................................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Affected equipment classes are listed in the parenthetical.

    Issue 13: DOE requests feedback on what impact, if any, the five 
screening criteria described in this section would have on each of the 
technology options listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this document 
with respect to ceiling fans. Similarly, DOE seeks information 
regarding how these same criteria would affect any other technology 
options not already identified in this document with respect to their 
potential use in ceiling fans.
    Issue 14: DOE requests comment on which technology options are 
specific to air flow, as measured by the DOE test procedure. DOE is 
interested in which technology options, if any, provide both consumer 
comfort and improved energy efficiency. As such, DOE also requests data 
on consumer buying patterns and whether or not consumers have specific 
requests regarding blade shape and material, fan hub size and shape, 
and other aspects of the design.
3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade Span
    Ceiling fans are sold with a range of diameters or blade spans. It 
is impractical to conduct a detailed engineering analysis on every 
possible blade span. As such, for the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE 
identified representative sizes for each ceiling fan product class to 
use as the basis for its engineering analysis. 82 FR 6826, 6852. The 
representative unit sizes evaluated to support the January 2017 Final 
Rule are presented in Table II.5.

Table II.5--Representative Ceiling Fan Diameters/Blade Spans Used in the
               Development of the January 2017 Final Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Representative
                    Product class                      unit sizes (blade
                                                             span)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VSD..................................................            13-inch
                                                                 16-inch
Standard.............................................            44-inch
                                                                 52-inch
                                                                 60-inch
Hugger...............................................            44-inch
                                                                 52-inch
HSSD.................................................            36-inch
                                                                 56-inch
LDCF.................................................             8-foot
                                                                 12-foot
                                                                 20-foot
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issue 15: DOE requests feedback on whether the representative blade 
spans listed in Table II.5 of this document are representative for the 
respective ceiling fan product classes. If the blade spans listed in 
Table II.5 of this document are not representative for a given product 
class, DOE seeks data and supporting information on what blade spans 
are representative for each product class. Specifically, DOE is 
interested in information about any units that would have a 
significantly different cost-efficiency curve from the representative 
units. For example, if certain technology options are not feasible for 
a given blade span or would significantly increase costs for blade 
spans above or below the representative units.
4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
    For each established product class, DOE selects a baseline model as 
a reference point against which any changes resulting from new or 
amended energy conservation standards can be measured. The baseline 
model in each product class represents the characteristics of common or 
typical products in that class. Typically, a baseline model is one that 
meets the current minimum energy conservation standards and provides 
basic consumer utility. Consistent with this analytical approach, DOE 
expects to consider the current minimum energy conservations standards 
(which went into effect on January 1, 2020) to establish the baseline 
efficiency levels for each product class. The current standards for 
each product class are based on CFM/W for small-diameter fans and on 
CFEI for LDCFs. The current standards for ceiling fans are found at 10 
CFR 430.32(s).
    Issue 16: DOE requests feedback on whether using the current 
established energy conservation standards for ceiling fans are 
appropriate baseline efficiency levels for DOE to apply to each product 
class in evaluating whether to amend the current energy conservation 
standards for these products. If the current energy conservation 
efficiency levels are not appropriate for use as baseline efficiency 
levels, DOE requests proposals for alternate baseline efficiency 
levels, supported by appropriate market and technical data.
    Issue 17: DOE requests feedback on the appropriate baseline 
efficiency levels for any potential product classes that are not 
currently in place or for any contemplated combined product classes, as 
discussed in section II.A of this document. For potential new product 
classes, DOE requests energy use data to characterize the baseline 
efficiency level.
5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
    As stated, LDCFs are no longer subject to the minimum efficiency 
requirements in terms of the CFM/W metric as established in the January 
2017 Final Rule, (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(I), as codified) instead, 
LDCFs are subject to standards in terms of the CFEI metric. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(II), as

[[Page 24544]]

codified) LDCFs are subject to two separate standards: One at operation 
of the fan at high speed and the other at operation of the fan at 40 
percent speed or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent 
speed (``40 percent speed''). Id. CFEI is calculated according to ANSI/
AMCA 208-18, which in turn references ANSI/AMCA 230-15, the industry 
test standard for circulating fans (which is already incorporated by 
reference as the test standard for testing LDCFs in Appendix U). (42 
U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(ii), as codified)
    The previously applicable CFM/W metric incorporates active mode at 
multiple speeds, standby mode, and off mode into a single metric. Since 
CFEI does not capture standby mode or off mode, DOE may need to develop 
a separate standby mode metric for LDCFs. The test procedure for 
measuring standby power consumption is specified in Appendix U.
    Issue 18: As discussed in section B.1 of this RFI, the 2017 CF ECS 
Final Rule assumed 7 watts for standby operation of LDCFs. DOE requests 
data on standby power consumption for LDCFs. DOE further requests 
comment on any technology options that increase or decrease standby 
energy consumption. Finally, DOE requests comment on any impacts a 
standby energy consumption standard might have on operation and 
function of a LDCF.

D. Economic Justification

    In determining whether a proposed energy conservation standard is 
economically justified, DOE analyzes, among other things, the potential 
economic impact on consumers, manufacturers, and the Nation. As 
discussed in more detail below, DOE is interested in whether there are 
economic barriers to the adoption of more-stringent energy conservation 
standards and if there are any other aspects of its economic 
justification analysis from the January 2017 Final Rule that may 
indicate whether a more-stringent energy conservation standard would be 
economically justified or cost effective.
1. Cost Analysis
    For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE used a combination of physical 
and catalog teardowns for the cost assessment to build ``bottom up'' 
manufacturing cost assessments of different models of ceiling fans. 82 
FR 6826, 6841-6842; see chapter 5 of the 2017 CF ECS TSD. DOE initially 
identified a representative sample of baseline efficiency models and 
more efficient models that incorporate design options DOE was 
considering. DOE then utilized physical and catalog teardowns to 
generate a bill of materials for the baseline efficiency models. DOE 
relied on technology pairs, where a similarly constructed ceiling fan 
incorporates a new technology option that allows it to achieve greater 
efficiency, to evaluate the cost increase associated with technology 
options that increase efficiency. See section 5.2 of the 2017 CF ECS 
TSD.
    DOE is aware that features are available for ceiling fans that may 
not have been as widely available at the time of the last energy 
conservation standards analysis. One such example could be the 
increased prevalence of ``smart'' ceiling fans that have wireless 
connectivity. These fans may have new components that impact the 
overall cost of the fan.
    Issue 19: DOE requests comment on whether there have been 
substantial changes in the ceiling fan market that would impact the 
results of the cost analysis. Specifically, DOE is interested in 
whether and how the costs estimated for design options in the January 
2017 Final Rule have changed since the time of that analysis due to the 
increased use of components such as remotes and sensors for smart phone 
connection.
2. Markups Analysis
    DOE derives consumer prices by applying markups to the MSP. In 
deriving markups, DOE determines the major distribution channels for 
product sales, the markup associated with each party in each 
distribution channel, and the existence and magnitude of differences 
between markups for baseline products (``baseline markups'') and 
higher-efficiency products (``incremental markups''). The identified 
distribution channels (i.e., how the products are distributed from the 
manufacturer to the consumer), and estimated relative sales volumes 
through each channel are used in generating end-user price inputs for 
the life-cycle cost (``LCC'') and payback period (``PBP'') analyses and 
the national impact analysis.
    In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE considered two major categories 
of ceiling fans to derive their distribution channels. The first 
category, corresponding mainly to the residential sector, was comprised 
of standard, hugger and VSD ceiling fans. The other category included 
LDCFs and HSSD ceilings fans, which are typically installed in 
commercial and industrial applications. For standard, hugger and VSD 
ceiling fans, DOE identified four distribution channels and estimated 
their market shares for 2019 based on manufacturer interviews, as shown 
in Table II.6. For the commercial and industrial sectors, DOE 
considered a distribution channel in which the consumer receives the 
product from the manufacturer through an external dealer/conventional 
dealer or an in-house manufacturer dealer.\7\ 82 FR 6826, 6845. 
Furthermore, a review of the market indicates that consumers are 
increasingly purchasing ceiling fans through online channels, which DOE 
did not explicitly consider in the January 2017 Final Rule. DOE is 
therefore interested in the magnitude and impact of online sales to the 
ceiling fans markups analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ For both cases, DOE assumed the same markup for in-house 
dealers and external dealers.

 Table II.6--Distribution Channels for Standard, Hugger and VSD Ceiling
                                  Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Market share
                  Distribution channel                      in 2019 (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer [rarr] Home Improvement Center [rarr]                  12.9
 Consumer...............................................
Manufacturer/Home Improvement Center (in-store label)               61.6
 [rarr] Consumer........................................
Manufacturer [rarr] Wholesaler [rarr] Contractor [rarr]             18.0
 Consumer...............................................
Manufacturer [rarr] Showroom [rarr] Consumer............             7.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 24545]]

    Issue 20: DOE requests feedback on whether the distribution 
channels and underlying assumptions used in the January 2017 Final Rule 
are still applicable, as well as data to update its markups analysis 
for ceiling fans.
    Issue 21: DOE requests data and feedback on the magnitude and 
impact of online sales to the ceiling fans distribution channels. DOE 
also seeks input on whether the markups for online sales are 
significantly different from ceiling fans sold through conventional 
distribution channels.
3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis
    DOE conducts the LCC and PBP analysis to evaluate the economic 
effects of potential energy conservation standards for ceiling fans on 
individual consumers. For any given efficiency level, DOE measures the 
PBP and the change in LCC relative to an estimated baseline level. The 
LCC is the total consumer expense over the life of the equipment, 
consisting of purchase, installation, and operating costs (expenses for 
energy use, maintenance, and repair). Inputs to the calculation of 
total installed cost include the cost of the equipment--which includes 
MSPs, distribution channel markups, and sales taxes--and installation 
costs. Inputs to the calculation of operating expenses include annual 
energy consumption, energy prices and price projections, repair and 
maintenance costs, equipment lifetimes, discount rates, and the year 
that compliance with new and amended standards is required.
a. DC Motor Market Share and Efficiency Trends
    DOE measures savings of potential standards relative to a ``no-new-
standards'' case that reflects conditions without new and/or amended 
standards and uses current efficiency market shares to characterize the 
``no-new-standards'' case product efficiency distribution. By 
accounting for consumers who already purchase more efficient ceiling 
fans, DOE avoids overstating the potential benefits from potential 
standards. Online ceiling fan data collection performed in support of 
the January 2017 Final Rule suggested that approximately 10 percent of 
standard and hugger ceiling fan models listed online in 2015 had DC 
motors. More recent data collection shows that approximately 14 percent 
of standard and hugger ceiling fan models listed online have DC motors, 
suggesting a trend toward DC motors. Since DC motors are generally more 
efficient than AC motors, standard and hugger ceiling fans with DC 
motors are expected to be more efficient than those with AC motors.
    Issue 22: DOE requests feedback and data on the current market 
share of DC motor ceiling fans for each product class. DOE also 
requests feedback and data that would help characterize any shifts to 
higher efficiency technologies for each ceiling fan product class.
b. Installation Costs
    In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE assumed that installation costs 
were the same regardless of efficiency level for a given product class. 
82 FR 6826, 6848. DOE is not aware of any data that suggest the cost of 
installation changes as a function of efficiency for ceiling fans. DOE 
therefore assumed that installation costs are the same regardless of 
efficiency level and do not impact the LCC or PBP. As a result, DOE did 
not include installation costs in the LCC and PBP analysis.
    Issue 23: DOE requests feedback and data on whether any market or 
technology changes since the January 2017 Final Rule would indicate 
that installation costs vary by efficiency level. More specifically, 
DOE is interested in if and how installation costs are affected by 
ceiling fans with the specific technology options listed in Table II.2 
and Table II.3 of this document.
c. Repair and Maintenance Costs
    In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE assumed that maintenance costs 
are the same for any given product class, regardless of efficiency 
level and therefore do not impact the LCC or PBP analyses. DOE included 
a purchaser repair cost for 6.5 percent of ceiling fans with brushless 
DC motors (primarily due to their electronic components) based on an 
estimate from a ceiling fan technical expert, and no repair cost for AC 
motor fans. 82 FR 6826, 6850. This 6.5 percent repair rate is 
incremental over the assumed repair rate of ceiling fans with AC 
motors. The repair cost was $1,000 for LDCFs and $150 for all other 
product classes. All repair costs were assessed at half of the product 
lifetime.
    Issue 24: DOE requests information and data on the frequency of 
repair and repair costs by product class for the technology options 
listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this document. DOE particularly 
requests information and data to inform the assumption from the January 
2017 Final Rule that ceiling fans with DC motors require repair at a 
higher frequency than ceiling fans with AC motors. While DOE is 
interested in information regarding each of the listed technology 
options, DOE is also interested in whether consumers simply replace the 
products when they fail as opposed to repairing them.
d. Lifetimes
    In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE used historical shipments data 
and age distributions from installed stock data of standard and hugger 
ceiling fans to model ceiling fan lifetimes using a Weibull function 
having a mean of 13.8 years for all product classes. 82 FR 6826, 6851.
    Issue 25: DOE requests feedback and data on the expected lifetimes 
of ceiling fans. In particular, DOE is interested in data that indicate 
if and how lifetimes differ by product class, as well as data on the 
expected lifetimes of VSD, HSSD, and large-diameter ceiling fans.
4. Net Present Value
    To develop the national NPV from potential standards, DOE 
calculates annual energy expenditures and annual equipment expenditures 
for the no-new-standards case and the standards case. The discounted 
difference between energy bill savings and increased equipment 
expenditures in each year is the NPV.
    For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE applied a price decline trend 
for ceiling fans with brushless DC motors. Given the absence of 
historical price data and cumulative shipments for brushless DC motors, 
DOE assumed that it is the circuitry and electronic controls associated 
with brushless DC motors that would be affected by price trends driven 
by the larger electronics industry. As a result, DOE adopted an annual 
price decline rate of 6 percent applied to the incremental cost 
associated with a brushless DC motor (i.e., the cost difference between 
the ceiling fan with a brushless DC motor and the ceiling fan at the 
lower efficiency level). 82 FR 6826, 6854.
    Issue 26: DOE requests feedback and any relevant data that could 
inform its price trend methodology for ceiling fans. Specifically, DOE 
is interested in data indicating how the price of ceiling fans with DC 
motors has changed since the January 2017 Final Rule.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date 
under the DATES heading, comments and information on matters addressed 
in this notification and on other matters relevant to DOE's early 
assessment of whether more-stringent energy conservation standards are 
not warranted for ceiling fans.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://

[[Page 24546]]

www.regulations.gov web page requires 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 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 http://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 
http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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. Faxes will not be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English, and free of any defects or 
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. 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 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).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process. 
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced 
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who 
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices 
and information about this process should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 2, 
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy 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 May 4, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-09703 Filed 5-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P