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DOE must determine whether to amend the current energy conservation standards for residential central air conditioner and heat pump products. According to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act’s six-year review requirement (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)), DOE must publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose new standards for residential central air conditioner and heat pump products, or a notice of determination that the existing standards do not need to be amended, by June 6, 2017.  This rulemaking is to determine whether amended standards for residential central air conditioner and heat pump products would result in a significant amount of additional energy savings, and whether those standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified.  On July 14, 2015, DOE announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking working group to negotiate proposed federal standards for the energy efficiency requirements of central air conditioners and heat pumps.

Statement of Need:

EPCA requires minimum energy efficiency standards for certain appliances and commercial equipment, including residential central air conditioner and heat pump products. EPCA further requires that DOE review such standards and determine whether to amend them six years after promulgation.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Title III, Part B of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA or the Act), Public Law 94163, (42 U.S.C. 62916309, as codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency and established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, a program covering major household appliances (collectively referred to as ‘‘covered products’’), including residential central air conditioners and heat pumps that are the subject of this rulemaking. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(3)) Further, EPCA requires that, not later than six years after the issuance of a final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE publish a NOPR proposing new standards or a notice of determination that the existing standards do not need to be amended. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1))

Alternatives:

The statute requires DOE to conduct rule makings to review standards and to revise standards to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. In making this determination, DOE conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Because DOE has not yet proposed amended energy efficiency standards, DOE cannot provide an estimate of combined aggregate costs and benefits for these actions. DOE will, however, in compliance with all applicable laws, issue standards that provide for increased energy efficiency that are economically justified. Estimates of energy savings will be provided when DOE issues the notice of proposed rulemaking.

Risks: