[Federal Register: May 29, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 103)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 29357-29358] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr29my98-14] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 10 CFR Part 430 [Docket No. EE-RM/STD-98-440] RIN 1904-AA77 Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Notice of Public Workshop on Central Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Standards Rulemaking AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of Public Workshop. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (the Department or DOE) today gives notice that it will convene a public workshop to discuss the proposed analytical framework and tools for evaluating possible revisions to the central air conditioner and heat pump energy efficiency standards. DATES: The public workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 1998, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-43, Room 1E-245, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Written comments are welcome, especially following the workshop. Please submit 10 copies (no faxes) and a computer diskette (WordPerfect 6.1) to: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Notice of Public Workshop on Central Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Standards Rulemaking, Docket No. EE-RM/STD-98-440, EE-43, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. [[Page 29358]] Copies of the transcript of the public workshop, public comments received, and this notice may be read at the DOE Freedom of Information Reading Room, U.S. DOE, Forrestal Building, Room 1E-190, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-3142, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Pollock , U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Forrestal Building, Mail Station EE-43, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-5778. Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Mail Station EE-43, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-2945. Eugene Margolis, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel, Mail Station GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103, (202) 586-9526. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In continuing the work on possible revisions to energy efficiency standards on central air conditioners, the Department is convening a workshop to present and receive public comments on the proposed analytical approach for evaluating the central air conditioner standards. At this workshop the following will be discussed: Review of the Rulemaking Framework: The Department will seek comment on the draft analytical framework for the central air conditioner rulemaking. Copies of the draft framework document will be available beginning the week of May 25, 1998, on the Office of Codes and Standards web site. The web site address is as follows: http:// www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/codes__ standards/index.htm. Identification of Analytical Methods and Tools: The Department seeks input into the selection of engineering and economic analytical tools to be used during the rulemaking: Engineering Analysis/Data Collection: The Department plans to collect data for the engineering analysis using one or more of the following methods: the energy efficiency approach to derive a cost efficiency curve within a range, the design option approach, and the market price (or reverse engineering) approach. The Department will review the key issues surrounding: (1) The pros and cons of each approach, and (2) data collection and the reporting of costs for incorporation into the engineering analysis. Price of Air Conditioners: The Department will lead a discussion on possible approaches to generating retail prices to be used in the consumer life-cycle-cost analysis. Life-Cycle-Cost: The Department plans to demonstrate a new life- cycle-cost spreadsheet model which can account for variability of key criteria, such as utility rates and climate. Electricity Price: The Department will lead a discussion on possible approaches for accounting for variations in electricity price, and the effects of these variations on different consumers. Refrigerant: The refrigerant used in air conditioners will be banned by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2010. The Department will lead a discussion on the effects of this ban on the timing of the revision to central air conditioner standards. Energy Savings Forecasts: The Department will present an example of energy savings forecasting results using a simple spreadsheet to show how the growth in efficiency can be accounted for over time. Background on the approach to be followed in evaluating central air conditioner standards is found in Section 325 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, and appendix A of subpart C of 10 CFR part 430, 61 FR 36974 (July 15, 1996). Appendix A outlines the planning and prioritization process, data collection and analysis, and decision making criteria. Previously published information pertaining to this rulemaking includes the following: An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Energy Conservation Standards for Three Types of Consumer Products, published on September 8, 1993 (58 FR 47326), and comments thereon. Copies may be read at the DOE Freedom of Information Reading Room. Please notify Brenda Edwards-Jones or Edward Pollock at the above listed address if you intend to attend the workshop, if you wish to receive material prepared for the workshop (including the draft analytical framework), or if you wish to be added to the DOE mailing list for receipt of future notices and information concerning central air conditioner matters relating to energy efficiency. Issued in Washington, DC, on May 22, 1998. Dan W. Reicher, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 98-14258 Filed 5-28-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P