2020-09990: Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential and Commercial Clothes Washers

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") is initiating a data collection process through this request for information ("RFI") to consider whether to amend its test procedures for clothes washers. As part of this RFI, DOE seeks comment on whether there have been changes in product testing methodology or new products on the market since the last test procedure update that may create the need to make amendments to the test procedure for clothes washers. DOE also seeks data and information that could enable the agency to propose that the current test procedure produces results that are representative of an average use cycle for the product and is not unduly burdensome to conduct, and therefore does not need amendment. DOE requests comment on specific aspects of the current test procedure, including product definitions and configurations, testing conditions and instrumentation, measurement methods, representative usage and efficiency factors, and metric definitions. DOE also seeks comment on any additional topics that may inform DOE's decision whether to conduct a future test procedure rulemaking, including methods to ensure that the test procedure is reasonably designed to measure energy and water use during a representative average use cycle or period of use and is not unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI).

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 2 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 10 CFR 430 Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products
• 10 CFR 431 Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment