[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 101 (Wednesday, May 25, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31754-31783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11126]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

16 CFR Part 305

[3084-AB15]


Energy Labeling Rule

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'') 
proposes routine updates to comparability range information on 
EnergyGuide labels for televisions, refrigerators and freezers, 
dishwashers, water heaters, room air conditioners (ranges only), 
clothes washers, furnaces, and pool heaters in the Energy Labeling Rule 
(``Rule''). The proposed amendments also contain a minor, clarifying 
change to requirements for determining room air conditioner capacity.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 11, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper, by 
following the instructions in the Request for Comment part of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write ``Range Updates, Matter 
No. R611004'' on your comment, and file your comment online at https://www.regulations.gov/, by following the instructions on the web-based 
form. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, mail your comment to 
the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the 
Secretary, Mail Stop H-144, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20580.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hampton Newsome, (202) 326-2889, 
Attorney, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 
Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 
20580.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Commission issued the Energy Labeling Rule (``Rule'') in 
1979,\1\ pursuant to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 
(``EPCA'').\2\ The Rule requires energy labeling for major home 
appliances and other consumer products to help consumers compare 
competing models. It also contains labeling requirements for 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers, dishwashers, water 
heaters, clothes washers, room air conditioners, furnaces, central air 
conditioners, heat pumps, plumbing products, lighting products, ceiling 
fans, and televisions.
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    \1\ 44 FR 66466 (Nov. 19, 1979).
    \2\ 42 U.S.C. 6294. EPCA also requires the Department of Energy 
(DOE) to develop test procedures that measure how much energy 
appliances use, and to determine the representative average cost a 
consumer pays for different types of energy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Rule requires manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels 
to many covered products and prohibits retailers from removing these 
labels or rendering them illegible. In addition, it directs sellers, 
including retailers, to post label information on websites and in paper 
catalogs from which consumers can order products. EnergyGuide labels 
for most covered products contain three key disclosures: Estimated 
annual energy cost, a product's energy consumption or energy efficiency 
rating

[[Page 31755]]

as determined by DOE test procedures, and a comparability range 
displaying the highest and lowest energy costs or efficiency ratings 
for all similar models. For cost calculations, the Rule specifies 
national average costs for applicable energy sources (e.g., 
electricity, natural gas, oil) based on DOE estimates. Under the Rule, 
the Commission periodically updates comparability range and annual 
energy cost information based on manufacturer data submitted pursuant 
to the Rule's reporting requirements. The Rule sets a five-year 
schedule for updating range of comparability and annual energy cost 
information.\3\ Pursuant to that schedule the Commission proposes the 
following amendments.
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    \3\ 16 CFR 305.12.
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II. Proposed Amendments

    As discussed below, the Commission proposes to update comparability 
ranges and national average energy cost figures (Appendix K1 and K2) 
for several product categories consistent with the Rule's five-year 
schedule. The proposed amendments also update Sec.  305.10 to clarify 
that manufacturers must determine capacity for room air conditioners 
using current DOE requirements.

A. Comparability Range and Energy Cost Revisions

    In accordance with the Rule's five-year schedule for comparability 
range updates (Sec.  305.12), this Document proposes revisions to the 
comparability range and energy cost information in the Rule's 
appendices for televisions, refrigerators and freezers, dishwashers, 
water heaters, room air conditioners (ranges only), clothes washers, 
furnaces, and pool heaters.\4\ In addition, the Commission proposes 
updating the average energy cost figures manufacturers must use to 
calculate a model's estimated energy cost for the label based on 
national average cost figures published by DOE.\5\ Specifically, the 
proposed amendments update the energy cost tables in Appendix K1 and 
K2.\6\ This document also contains proposed conforming changes to the 
sample labels in the Rule's appendices to reflect the new range and 
cost information.
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    \4\ 16 CFR 305.12. The capacity categories in the Room Air 
Conditioner table (Appendix E) have been slightly adjusted to 
reflect changes in the size distribution in DOE current model data.
    \5\ 87 FR 12681 (March 7, 2022) (DOE publication for 
``Representative Average Unit Costs of Energy''). Fuel costs in the 
FTC tables in Appendix K1 and K2 are rounded to the nearest cent.
    \6\ Applicable energy cost figures for televisions appear in 
section 305.25.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to 305.12, manufacturers must begin using this information 
on new product labels within 90 days after publication of a final 
notice announcing updated ranges for specific products.\7\ 
Manufacturers do not have to relabel products labeled prior to the 
effective date of the changes. For room air conditioners, the 
Commission proposes setting an October 1, 2022 effective date for those 
ranges because this label must appear on product boxes, and such 
package changes can require additional planning and coordination. The 
proposed October date coincides with the annual production cycle (i.e., 
the cooling season) for those products.
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    \7\ Under EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6294(c)(1)(B)), manufacturers must use 
updated range data beginning 60 days after final ranges are 
published unless the Commission provides for a later date. Section 
305.12(b) has a period of 90 days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Commission does not propose amending range and cost information 
for central air conditioner and portable air conditioner labels because 
the Commission recently updated those ranges.\8\ Additionally, the 
Commission does not propose changing the cost figure for room air 
conditioner labels because such a change would make room air 
conditioner labels inconsistent with cost information on portable air 
conditioners, a similar product category. Accordingly, the electricity 
cost figure ([cent]13/kWh) for those two categories appear in Appendix 
K2 and has been used to create the room air conditioner ranges 
(Appendix E) in the proposed amendments.
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    \8\ See 86 FR 9274 (Feb. 12, 2021) (portable air conditioners); 
86 FR 57985 (Oct. 20, 2021) (central air conditioners). Because the 
amendments in those documents are scheduled to become effective on 
October 1, 2022 and January 1, 2023--after the likely effective date 
for the amendments proposed in this document--the Commission will 
make technical, conforming changes to the instructions in those 
documents as necessary to ensure consistency (e.g., Appendices E and 
K).
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B. Capacity Determinations for Room Air Conditioners

    Finally, the proposed amendments update Sec.  305.10 to clarify 
that manufacturers must determine capacity for room air conditioners 
using current DOE requirements. Specifically, the amendment eliminates 
obsolete text related to rounding and updates references to existing 
DOE requirements for capacity determinations. The Commission proposes 
making the change effective on October 1, 2022 to coincide with the 
effective date of the Commission's previously published requirements 
for EnergyGuide labels for portable air conditioners.\9\
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    \9\ 86 FR 9274 (Feb. 12, 2022).
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III. Request for Comment

    The Commission seeks comment on the amendments proposed in this 
document. You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission 
to consider your comment, we must receive it on or before July 11, 
2022. Write ``Range Updates, Matter No. R611004'' on your comment. Your 
comment--including your name and your state--will be placed on the 
public record of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, 
on the website https://www.regulations.gov.
    Because of the public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 
outbreak and the agency's heightened security screening, postal mail 
addressed to the Commission will be subject to delay. We strongly 
encourage you to submit your comments online through the https://www.regulations.gov website. To ensure the Commission considers your 
online comment, please follow the instructions on the web-based form.
    If you file your comment on paper, write ``Range Updates, Matter 
No. R611004'' on your comment and on the envelope, and mail your 
comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of 
the Secretary, Mail Drop H-144, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, 
DC 20580.
    Because your comment will be placed on the public record, you are 
solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any 
sensitive or confidential information. Your comment should not contain 
sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else's Social 
Security number; date of birth; driver's license number or other state 
identification number or foreign country equivalent; passport number; 
financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also 
solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any 
sensitive health information, such as medical records or other 
individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment 
should not include any ``[t]rade secret or any commercial or financial 
information which . . . is privileged or confidential''--as provided in 
Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 
16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)--including competitively sensitive information such 
as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, 
manufacturing processes, or customer names.
    Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is 
requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled 
``Confidential,''

[[Page 31756]]

and must comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c). In particular, the 
written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment 
must include the factual and legal basis for the request and must 
identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the 
public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept 
confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in 
accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has 
been posted publicly at www.regulations.gov--as legally required by FTC 
Rule 4.9(b), 16 CFR 4.9(b)--we cannot redact or remove your comment, 
unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements 
for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel 
grants that request.
    Visit the FTC website to read this document and the news release 
describing it. The FTC Act and other laws the Commission administers 
permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this 
proceeding as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and 
responsive public comments it receives on or before July 11, 2022. For 
information on the Commission's privacy policy, including routine uses 
permitted by the Privacy Act, see https://www.ftc.gov/siteinformation/privacypolicy.
    Because written comments appear adequate to present the views of 
all interested parties, the Commission has not scheduled an opportunity 
for presentation of oral comments regarding these proposed amendments. 
Interested parties may request an opportunity to present views orally. 
If such a request is made, the Commission will publish a document in 
the Federal Register stating the time and place for such oral 
presentation(s) and describing the procedures that will be followed. 
Interested parties who wish to present oral views must submit a 
request, on or before July 11, 2022, in the form of a written comment 
that describes the issues on which the party wishes to speak. If no 
oral presentations are scheduled, the Commission will base its decision 
on the written rulemaking record.

IV. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The current Rule contains recordkeeping, disclosure, testing, and 
reporting requirements that constitute information collection 
requirements as defined by 5 CFR 1320.3(c), the definitional provision 
within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations that 
implement the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). OMB has approved the 
Rule's existing information collection requirements through February 
29, 2024 (OMB Control No. 3084-0069). The proposed amendments do not 
change the substance or frequency of the recordkeeping, disclosure, or 
reporting requirements and, therefore, do not require further OMB 
clearance.

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (``RFA''), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, 
requires that the Commission conduct an analysis of the anticipated 
economic impact of the proposed amendment on small entities. The RFA 
requires that the Commission provide an Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (``IRFA'') with a rule unless the Commission certifies that 
the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. 5 U.S.C. 605. The proposed amendments merely 
implements routine updates to comparability range information and other 
minor clarifications. The proposed amendments do not significantly 
change the substance or frequency of the Rule's recordkeeping, 
disclosure, or reporting requirements. Thus, the amendments will not 
have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.'' 5 U.S.C. 605. The Commission has concluded, therefore, that 
a regulatory flexibility analysis is not necessary, and certifies, 
under Section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), 
that the proposed amendments will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 305

    Advertising, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Labeling, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons stated above, the Commission proposes to amend part 
305 of title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 305--ENERGY AND WATER USE LABELING FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS UNDER 
THE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT (``ENERGY LABELING RULE'')

0
1. The authority citation for part 305 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 6294.

0
2. In Sec.  305.10, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  305.10   Determinations of capacity.

* * * * *
    (f) Room air conditioners and portable air conditioners. The 
capacity for room air conditioners and portable air conditioners shall 
be determined according to 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, with rounding 
determined in accordance with 10 CFR part 430.
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec.  305.25, revise paragraphs (f)(4) and (5) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  305.25  Television labeling.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (4) Estimated annual energy costs determined in accordance with 
this part and based on a usage rate of 5 hours in on mode and 19 hours 
in standby (sleep) mode per day and an electricity cost rate of 14 
cents per kWh.
    (5) The applicable ranges of comparability for estimated annual 
energy costs based on the labeled product's diagonal screen size, 
according to the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Annual energy cost ranges for
                                                    televisions
         Screen size (diagonal)          -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16-20'' (16.0 to 20.49'')...............              $5              $6
21-23'' (20.5 to 23.49'')...............               4               9
24-29'' (23.5 to 29.49'')...............               3              10
30-34'' (29.5 to 34.49'')...............               5              16
35-39'' (34.5 to 39.49'')...............               9              17
40-44'' (39.5 to 44.49'')...............               7              28
45-49'' (44.5 to 49.49'')...............               8              34
50-54'' (49.5 to 54.49'')...............              10              37
55-59'' (54.5 to 59.49'')...............               9              47
60-64'' (59.5 to 64.49'')...............              13              37

[[Page 31757]]

 
65-69'' (64.5 to 69.49'')...............              13             101
69.5'' or greater.......................               7             160
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
0
4. Revise appendices A1 through A9 to Part 305 to read as follows:

Appendix A1 to Part 305--Refrigerators With Automatic Defrost

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $20             $45
10.5 to 12.4............................              28              40
12.5 to 14.4............................              33              47
14.5 to 16.4............................              33              46
16.5 to 18.4............................              38              52
18.5 to 20.4............................              42              50
20.5 to 22.4............................              35              57
22.5 to 24.4............................              51              59
24.5 to 26.4............................             (*)             (*)
26.5 to 28.4............................             (*)             (*)
28.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A2 to Part 305--Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers With 
Manual Defrost

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $11             $46
10.5 to 12.4............................             (*)             (*)
12.5 to 14.4............................             (*)             (*)
14.5 to 16.4............................             (*)             (*)
16.5 to 18.4............................             (*)             (*)
18.5 to 20.4............................             (*)             (*)
20.5 to 22.4............................             (*)             (*)
22.5 to 24.4............................             (*)             (*)
24.5 to 26.4............................             (*)             (*)
26.5 to 28.4............................             (*)             (*)
28.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A3 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Partial Automatic 
Defrost

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................              27              55
10.5 to 12.4............................             (*)             (*)
12.5 to 14.4............................             (*)             (*)

[[Page 31758]]

 
14.5 to 16.4............................             (*)             (*)
16.5 to 18.4............................              53              53
18.5 to 20.4............................              48              55
20.5 to 22.4............................             (*)             (*)
22.5 to 24.4............................             (*)             (*)
24.5 to 26.4............................             (*)             (*)
26.5 to 28.4............................             (*)             (*)
28.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A4 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Automatic Defrost 
With Top-Mounted Freezer No Through-the-Door Ice

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $40             $62
10.5 to 12.4............................              43              61
12.5 to 14.4............................              44              64
14.5 to 16.4............................              45              66
16.5 to 18.4............................              49              70
18.5 to 20.4............................              48              72
20.5 to 22.4............................              51              76
22.5 to 24.4............................              58              78
24.5 to 26.4............................              66              81
26.5 to 28.4............................             (*)             (*)
28.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A5 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Automated Defrost 
With Side-Mounted Freezer No Through-the-Door Ice

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $54             $82
10.5 to 12.4............................             (*)             (*)
12.5 to 14.4............................              39              40
14.5 to 16.4............................              49              65
16.5 to 18.4............................              69              70
18.5 to 20.4............................              66              70
20.5 to 22.4............................              70             101
22.5 to 24.4............................              78             105
24.5 to 26.4............................              80             109
26.5 to 28.4............................              91             113
28.5 and over...........................              84             118
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31759]]

Appendix A6 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Automatic Defrost 
With Bottom-Mounted Freezer Without No Through-the-Door Ice

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $42             $73
10.5 to 12.4............................              47              79
12.5 to 14.4............................              50              77
14.5 to 16.4............................              53              85
16.5 to 18.4............................              60              86
18.5 to 20.4............................              60              91
20.5 to 22.4............................              62              94
22.5 to 24.4............................              65              98
24.5 to 26.4............................              74              96
26.5 to 28.4............................              67              95
28.5 and over...........................              91             101
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A7 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Automatic Defrost 
With Bottom-Mounted Freezer With Through-the-Door Ice Service

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             (*)             (*)
10.5 to 12.4............................             (*)             (*)
12.5 to 14.4............................             (*)             (*)
14.5 to 16.4............................             (*)             (*)
16.5 to 18.4............................             $80             $90
18.5 to 20.4............................              83              98
20.5 to 22.4............................              91             103
22.5 to 24.4............................              77             106
24.5 to 26.4............................              89             109
26.5 to 28.4............................              83             112
28.5 and over...........................              90             113
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A8 to Part 305--Refrigerator-Freezers With Automatic Defrost 
With Side-Mounted Freezer With Through-the-Door Ice Service

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             (*)             (*)
10.5 to 12.4............................             (*)             (*)
12.5 to 14.4............................             (*)             (*)
14.5 to 16.4............................             (*)             (*)
16.5 to 18.4............................             $87             $88
18.5 to 20.4............................              78             110
20.5 to 22.4............................              72             109
22.5 to 24.4............................              76             115
24.5 to 26.4............................              81             116

[[Page 31760]]

 
26.5 to 28.4............................              89             122
28.5 and over...........................             104             124
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix A9 to Part 305--All Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 10.5..........................             $11             $82
10.5 to 12.4............................              28              79
12.5 to 14.4............................              33              77
14.5 to 16.4............................              33              84
16.5 to 18.4............................              38              90
18.5 to 20.4............................              42             110
20.5 to 22.4............................              35             109
22.5 to 24.4............................              51             115
24.5 to 26.4............................              66             116
26.5 to 28.4............................              67             122
28.5 and over...........................              84             124
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
5. Revise appendices B1 through B3 to Part 305 to read as follows:

Appendix B1 to Part 305--Upright Freezers With Manual Defrost

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 5.5...........................             $18             $43
5.5 to 7.4..............................              35              47
7.5 to 9.4..............................              34              40
9.5 to 11.4.............................              36              36
11.5 to 13.4............................             (*)             (*)
13.5 to 15.4............................              42              47
15.5 to 17.4............................              49              51
17.5 to 19.4............................             (*)             (*)
19.5 to 21.4............................              49              56
21.5 to 23.4............................             (*)             (*)
23.5 to 25.4............................             (*)             (*)
25.5 to 27.4............................             (*)             (*)
27.5 to 29.4............................             (*)             (*)
29.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31761]]

Appendix B2 to Part 305--Upright Freezers With Automatic Defrost

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 5.5...........................             $37             $63
5.5 to 7.4..............................             (*)             (*)
7.5 to 9.4..............................              44              69
9.5 to 11.4.............................              44           67.20
11.5 to 13.4............................              54              79
13.5 to 15.4............................              54              85
15.5 to 17.4............................              58              89
17.5 to 19.4............................              62              84
19.5 to 21.4............................              63              91
21.5 to 23.4............................             101             104
23.5 to 25.4............................             (*)             (*)
25.5 to 27.4............................             (*)             (*)
27.5 to 29.4............................             (*)             (*)
29.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix B3 to Part 305--Chest Freezers and All Other Freezers

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
 Manufacturer's rated total refrigerated  operating costs (dollars/year)
          volume in cubic feet           -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 5.5...........................             $19             $32
5.5 to 7.4..............................              31              36
7.5 to 9.4..............................              27              37
9.5 to 11.4.............................              28              35
11.5 to 13.4............................              35              38
13.5 to 15.4............................              39              42
15.5 to 17.4............................              38              46
17.5 to 19.4............................              46              47
19.5 to 21.4............................              50              53
21.5 to 23.4............................              48              55
23.5 to 25.4............................              59              59
25.5 to 27.4............................             (*)             (*)
27.5 to 29.4............................             (*)             (*)
29.5 and over...........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
6. Revise appendices C1 and C2 to Part 305 to read as follows:

Appendix C1 to Part 305--Compact Dishwashers

Range Information

    ``Compact'' includes countertop dishwasher models with a capacity 
of fewer than eight (8) place settings. Place settings shall be in 
accordance with Appendix C to 10 CFR part 430, subpart B. Load patterns 
shall conform to the operating normal for the model being tested.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Range of estimated annual
                                           energy costs (dollars/year)
               Capacity                ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact...............................             $14              $32
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31762]]

Appendix C2 to Part 305--Standard Dishwashers

Range Information

    ``Standard'' includes dishwasher models with a capacity of eight 
(8) or more place settings. Place settings shall be in accordance with 
Appendix C to 10 CFR part 430, subpart B. Load patterns shall conform 
to the operating normal for the model being tested.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Range of estimated annual
                                           energy costs (dollars/year)
               Capacity                ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard..............................             $28              $43
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
7. Revise appendices D1 through D5 to Part 305 to read as follows:

Appendix D1 to Part 305--Water Heaters--Gas

                                                Range Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Range of estimated annual energy costs (dollars/year)
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
     Capacity (first hour rating in gallons)           Natural gas  ($/year)             Propane  ($/year)
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Low            High             Low            High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Very Small''--less than 18....................             (*)             (*)             (*)             (*)
``Low''--18 to 50.9.............................            $162            $172             (*)             (*)
``Medium''--51 to 74.9..........................             227             300            $460            $606
``High''--over 75...............................             227             336             460             679
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix D2 to Part 305--Water Heaters Electric

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Capacity                     Range of estimated annual
-----------------------------------------   energy costs (dollars/year)
                                         -------------------------------
            First hour rating                   Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Very Small''--less than 18............             (*)             (*)
``Low''--18 to 50.9.....................             $90            $357
``Medium''--51 to 74.9..................             154             630
``High''--over 75.......................             173             747
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix D3 to Part 305--Water Heaters--Oil

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Capacity                     Range of estimated annual
-----------------------------------------   energy costs (dollars/year)
                                         -------------------------------
            First hour rating                   Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Very Small''--less than 18............             (*)             (*)
``Low''--18 to 50.9.....................             (*)             (*)
``Medium''--51 to 74.9..................             (*)             (*)
``High''--over 75.......................            $625            $686
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31763]]

Appendix D4 to Part 305--Water Heaters--Instantaneous--Gas

                                                Range Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Capacity                           Range of estimated annual energy costs (dollars/year)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Natural Gas  ($/year)             Propane  ($/year)
Capacity (maximum flow rate); gallons per minute ---------------------------------------------------------------
                      (gpm)                             Low            High             Low            High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Very Small''--less than 1.6...................             $24             $30             $50             $61
``Low''--1.7 to 2.7.............................             (*)             (*)             (*)             (*)
``Medium''--2.8 to 3.9..........................             183             216             370             437
``High''--over 4.0..............................             210             253             427             511
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix D5 to Part 305--Water Heaters--Instantaneous--Electric

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Capacity                     Range of estimated annual
-----------------------------------------   energy costs (dollars/year)
  Capacity (maximum flow rate); gallons  -------------------------------
            per minute (gpm)                    Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Very Small''--less than 1.6...........             $82             $90
``Low''--1.7 to 2.7.....................             (*)             (*)
``Medium''--2.8 to 3.9..................             (*)             (*)
``High''--over 4.0......................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
8. Appendix E to Part 305 is revised to read as follows:

Appendix E1 to Part 305--Room Air Conditioners

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Range of estimated annual
Manufacturer's rated cooling capacity in    energy costs (dollars/year)
                Btu's/hr                 -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without Reverse Cycle and with Louvered
 Sides:
    Less than 6,000 Btu.................             $40             $46
    6,000 to 7,999 Btu..................              47              69
    8,000 to 13,999 Btu.................              49             121
    14,000 to 19,999 Btu................              91             169
    20,000 to 27,999 Btu................             147             287
    28,000 and more Btu.................             275             380
Without Reverse Cycle and without
 Louvered Sides:
    Less than 8,000 Btu.................             (*)             (*)
    8,000 to 10,999 Btu.................              73             102
    11,000 to 13,999 Btu................             107             140
    14,000 to 19,999 Btu................             144             162
    20,000 and more Btu.................             (*)             (*)
With Reverse Cycle and with Louvered                  79             230
 Sides..................................
With Reverse Cycle, without Louvered                  81             117
 Sides..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
9. Revise appendices F1 and F2 to Part 305 to read as follows:

[[Page 31764]]

Appendix F1 to Part 305--Standard Clothes Washers

    ``Standard'' includes all household clothes washers with a tub 
capacity of 1.6 cu. ft. or more.

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Range of estimated annual
                                         operating costs (dollars/year)
               Capacity                ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard..............................             $33             $137
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix F2 to Part 305--Compact Clothes Washers

    ``Compact'' includes all household clothes washers with a tub 
capacity of less than 1.6 cu. ft.

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Range of estimated annual
                                         operating costs (dollars/year)
               Capacity                ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compact...............................             $25              $47
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
10. Revise appendices G1 through G8 to Part 305 to read as follows:

Appendix G1 to Part 305--Furnaces--Gas

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Range of annual fuel
                                             utilization efficiencies
              Furnace type                            (AFUEs)
                                         -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Weatherized Gas Furnaces--All                   80.0            99.0
 Capacities.............................
Weatherized Gas Furnaces--All Capacities            81.0            95.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G2 to Part 305--Furnaces--Electric

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Range of annual fuel utilization
                                              efficiencies (AFUEs)
             Furnace type              ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electric Furnaces--All Capacities.....           100.0            100.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G3 to Part 305--Furnaces--Oil

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Range of annual fuel
                                             utilization efficiencies
                  Type                                (AFUEs)
                                         -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Weatherized Oil Furnaces--All                   83.0            96.7
 Capacities.............................
Weatherized Oil Furnaces--All Capacities             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31765]]

Appendix G4 to Part 305--Mobile Home Furnaces--Gas

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Range of annual fuel utilization
                                              efficiencies (AFUEs)
                 Type                  ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Home Gas Furnaces--All                     80.0             97.3
 Capacities...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G5 to Part 305--Mobile Home Furnaces--Oil

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Range of annual fuel utilization
                                              efficiencies (AFUEs)
                 Type                  ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Home Oil Furnaces--All                     80.0             87.0
 Capacities...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G6 to Part 305--Boilers--(Gas)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Range of annual fuel
                                             utilization efficiencies
                  Type                                (AFUEs)
                                         -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas Boilers (except steam)--All                     84.0            96.4
 Capacities.............................
Gas Boilers (steam)--All Capacities.....              82            83.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G7 to Part 305--Boilers--(Oil)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Range of annual fuel utilization
                                              efficiencies (AFUEs)
                 Type                  ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Boilers--All Capacities...........              85             88.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix G8 to Part 305--Boilers--(Electric)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Range of annual fuel utilization
                                              efficiencies (AFUEs)
                 Type                  ---------------------------------
                                              Low              High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electric Boilers--All Capacities......             100              100
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
11. Revise appendices J1 and J2 to read as follows:

Appendix J1 to Part 305--Pool Heaters--Gas

                                                Range Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Range of thermal efficiencies (percent)
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------
   Manufacturer's rated heating capacities               Natural Gas                         Propane
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Low              High             Low              High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All capacities..............................            82.0             95.0             82.0             95.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 31766]]

Appendix J2 to Part 305--Pool Heaters--Oil

                            Range Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Range of thermal efficiencies
                                                     (percent)
 Manufacturer's rated heating capacities -------------------------------
                                                Low            High
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All capacities..........................             (*)             (*)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
12. Revise appendices K1 and K2 to read as follows:

Appendix K1 to Part 305--Representative Average Unit Energy Costs for 
Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, Freezers, Clothes Washers, 
Dishwashers, and Water Heater Labels

    This Table contains the representative unit energy costs that must 
be utilized to calculate estimated annual energy cost disclosures 
required under this Part for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, 
freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, and water heaters. This Table 
is based on information published by the U.S. Department of Energy in 
2022.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 In commonly    As required by DOE  test
        Type of energy            used terms            procedure
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity..................  [cent]14/kWh     $.1400/kWh
                                \1\ \2\.
Natural Gas..................  $1.21/therm      $0.00001209/Btu \4\
                                \3\, $12.6/MCF
                                \5\ \6\.
No. 2 heating oil............  $3.45/gallon     $0.00002511/Btu
                                \7\.
Propane......................  $223/gallon \8\  $0.00002446/Btu
Kerosene.....................  $4.01/gallon     $0.00002973/Btu
                                \9\.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ kWh stands for kiloWatt hour.
\2\ 1 kWh = 3,412 Btu.
\3\ 1 therm = 100,000 Btu. Natural gas prices include taxes.
\4\ Btu stands for British thermal unit.
\5\ MCF stands for 1,000 cubic feet.
\6\ For the purposes of this table, 1 cubic foot of natural gas has an
  energy equivalence of 1,039 Btu.
\7\ For the purposes of this table, one gallon of No. 2 heating oil has
  an energy equivalence of 13,738 Btu.
\8\ For the purposes of this table, one gallon of liquid propane has an
  energy equivalence of 91,333 Btu.
\9\ For the purposes of this table, one gallon of kerosene has an energy
  equivalence of 135,000 Btu.

Appendix K2 to Part 305--Representative Average Unit Energy Costs for 
Room Air Conditioner and Portable Air Conditioner Labels

    This Table contains the representative unit energy costs that must 
be utilized to calculate estimated annual energy cost disclosures 
required under this Part for room air conditioners and portable air 
conditioners. This Table is based on information published by the U.S. 
Department of Energy in 2017.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 In commonly     As required by DOE test
        Type of energy            used terms            procedure
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity..................  [cent]13/kWh     $.1300/kWh
                                \1\.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ kWh stands for kilowatt hour.

* * * * *
0
15. In appendix L, revise prototype labels 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, and sample 
labels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 9A, 14, 15, and 16 to read as follows
* * * * *
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P

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    By direction of the Commission.
April J. Tabor,
Secretary.

Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Christine S. Wilson

    Today the Commission announces proposed required updates to the 
compatibility ranges in the Energy Labeling Rule. Since 2015, the 
Commission has sought comment on provisions of this Rule on several 
occasions and has made numerous amendments to the Rule.\1\ On each 
occasion, I have urged the Commission to seek comment on the more 
prescriptive aspects of this Rule. My concerns about the highly 
prescriptive nature of this Rule are detailed in my prior dissents.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 81 FR 62861 (Sept. 12, 2016) (seeking comment on 
proposed amendments regarding portable air conditioners, ceiling 
fans, and electric water heaters); 84 FR 9261 (Mar. 14, 2019) 
(proposing amendments to organize the Rule's product descriptions); 
85 FR 20218 (Apr. 10, 2020) (seeking comment on proposed amendments 
regarding central and portable air conditioners).
    \2\ See Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Christine S. Wilson 
on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Energy Labeling Rule (Dec. 10, 
2018) (expressing my view that the Commission should seek comment on 
the prescriptive labeling requirements), https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2018/12/dissenting-statement-commissioner-christine-s-wilson-notice-proposed; Dissenting Statement of Commissioner 
Christine S. Wilson on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Energy 
Labeling Rule (Oct. 22, 2019) (urging the Commission to seek comment 
on the labeling requirements), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1551786/r611004_wilson_dissent_energy_labeling_rule.pdf; Dissenting 
Statement of Commissioner Christine S. Wilson on the Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking: Energy Labeling Rule (Dec. 22, 2020), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1585242/commission_wilson_dissenting_statement_energy_labeling_rule_final12-22-2020revd2.pdf; Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Christine S. 
Wilson on the Notice of Amendments to the Energy Labeling Rule (Oct. 
6, 2021), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1597166/commission_wilson_dissenting_statement_energy_labeling_rule_2021-10-04_final.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In March 2020, we sought comment on some of the more prescriptive 
provisions of the Energy Labeling Rule \3\ and received many 
interesting and thoughtful comments.\4\ Rather than act on these 
comments or proposals, though, the Commission chose to finalize only 
proposals necessary to conform to Department of Energy changes.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Concurring Statement of Commissioner Christine S. Wilson 
on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Energy Labeling Rule (Mar. 20, 
2020), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1569815/r611004_wilson_statement_energy_labeling.pdf.
    \4\ See, e.g., Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration 
Institute (AHRI) Comment (#33-09), available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FTC-2020-0033-0009; Association of 
Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Comment (#33-04), available at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FTC-2020-0033-0004; Goodman 
Manufacturing Comment (#33-08), available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FTC-2020-0033-0008.
    \5\ See Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Christine S. Wilson 
on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Energy Label Rule (Dec. 22, 2020), 
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1585242/commission_wilson_dissenting_statement_energy_labeling_rule_final12-22-2020revd2.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today, we again make necessary changes to the Rule but fail to take 
the opportunity to revisit the Rule's highly prescriptive requirements. 
I acknowledge that the FTC is required to publish an Energy Labeling 
Rule, that manufacturers are required to post an Energy Label on their 
products and that consumers likely benefit from some uniformity of 
information in these labels. But it is unnecessary for our labeling 
guidance to include highly prescriptive requirements that detail the

[[Page 31783]]

trim size dimensions for labels, including the precise width (between 5 
\1/4\'' to 5 \1/2\'') and length (between 7 \3/8\'' and 7 \5/8\''); the 
number of picas for the copy set (between 27 and 29); the type style 
(Arial) and setting; the weight of the paper stock on which the labels 
are printed (not less than 58 pounds per 500 sheets or equivalent); and 
a suggested minimum peel adhesive capacity of 12 ounces per square 
inch.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See e.g., 16 CFR 305.13, 305.20 (specifying such 
requirements for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers, 
dishwashers, clothes washers, water heaters, room air conditioners, 
and pool heaters (305.13) and for central air conditioners, heat 
pumps, and furnaces (305.20)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Notice we issue today includes 13 pages of prototype labels, 
complete with the array of requirements described above. For example, 
Prototype Label 10 for Vertical Rectangular Television Labels specifies 
not only the categories of information to be displayed, but also the 
precise font and size in which that information is to be printed. The 
Estimated Yearly Energy Cost must appear in 12/14.4 Arial Narrow Bold. 
And while the phrase ``US Government'' at the top of the label must be 
printed in \7/9\ pt Arial Narrow, ``visitftc.gov/energy'' at the bottom 
must be printed in 8 pt Arial Narrow. As I have indicated on previous 
occasions, we could identify the categories of information to be 
disclosed clearly and conspicuously, and then allow companies to create 
appropriate labels.
    Once again, I urge the Commission to act on the comments we 
received in 2020, eliminate the more prescriptive aspects of the Rule, 
and maximize the positive impact of this Rule for consumers. As long as 
we are statutorily mandated to maintain this Rule, we should endeavor 
to make it beneficial for consumers and competition.
    Regrettably, the Commission once again has chosen to forego this 
route, instead making only minor changes to the Rule necessary for 
conformity. Accordingly, I dissent.

[FR Doc. 2022-11126 Filed 5-24-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-C