81 FR 18608 - Notice of Application From Green Electronics for a Small Business Exemption Regarding Certain Products From the Department of Energy's External Power Supply Energy Conservation Standards

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 62 (March 31, 2016)

Page Range		18608-18609
FR Document		2016-07281

This notice announces receipt of and publishes an application submitted by Green Electronics for a small business exemption from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) energy conservation standards for direct operation external power supplies (application) pertaining to certain basic models imported by Green Electronics. Specifically, the application requests a one-year exemption from compliance with the standard beginning on February 10, 2016, the compliance date for such standard. DOE is publishing the non-confidential portion of Green Electronics' application and soliciting comments, data, and information concerning Green Electronics' application.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18608-18609]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07281]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

[Docket Number: EERE-2016-BT-STD-0013]


Notice of Application From Green Electronics for a Small Business 
Exemption Regarding Certain Products From the Department of Energy's 
External Power Supply Energy Conservation Standards

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

ACTION: Notice of application for exemption and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of and publishes an application 
submitted by Green Electronics for a small business exemption from the 
U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) energy conservation standards for 
direct operation external power supplies (application) pertaining to 
certain basic models imported by Green Electronics. Specifically, the 
application requests a one-year exemption from compliance with the 
standard beginning on February 10, 2016, the compliance date for such 
standard. DOE is publishing the non-confidential portion of Green 
Electronics' application and soliciting comments, data, and information 
concerning Green Electronics' application.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information until May 31, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket/case number, 
by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: [email protected]. 
Include ``docket/case number'' in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Please 
submit one signed original paper copy.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed original paper 
copy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mail Stop EE-5B, Forrestal 
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Email: [email protected].
    Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Authority

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42 
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, in context, ``the Act'') sets forth 
a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All 
references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy 
Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015--Pub. L. 114-11 (April 30, 2015).) 
Part B of title III, which for editorial reasons was re-designated as 
Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as 
codified), establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles.'' External power supplies are among 
the products affected by these provisions.
    Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use as the basis for (1) certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted under EPCA, and (2) making representations about the efficiency 
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA.
    Consistent with EPCA, DOE has undertaken several rulemakings 
concerning external power supplies (``EPSs''). Specifically, DOE issued 
a final rule on March 27, 2009, that defined and added terms and 
definitions relevant to EPSs to 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix Z 
(hereafter referred to as Appendix Z). See 74 FR 13318. In June 2011, 
DOE further amended Appendix Z by adding a test method for multiple-
voltage EPSs. 76 FR 31750 (June 1, 2011). In addition to the test 
procedure rulemaking activities, DOE undertook a rulemaking to 
establish energy conservation standards for EPSs. After releasing a 
preliminary analysis and issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE 
published a final rule (hereafter referred to as 2014 standards 
rulemaking) prescribing new standards for some non-Class A EPSs and 
amended standards for some Class A EPSs. See 79 FR 7845 (Feb. 10, 
2014). As part of this rulemaking, DOE established new definitions for 
direct operation EPSs and indirect operation EPSs in 10 CFR 430.2. 
Direct operation EPSs, regardless of whether they are Class A or non-
Class A EPSs, are subject to more stringent standards than the 
statutorily-prescribed Level IV standard requirements. The standards 
for direct operation EPSs are identified via a Level VI marking per 10 
CFR 430.32(w)(4) and are hereafter referred to as Level VI standards in 
this document. DOE did not establish any standards for indirect 
operation EPSs. However, indirect operation EPSs that meet the 
definition of a Class A EPS, are required to meet the statutory Level 
IV standards already established in EPCA. While the Level IV standards 
have been

[[Page 18609]]

in effect since July 1, 2008, as of February 10, 2016, all newly-
manufactured or imported direct operation EPSs must comply with the new 
Level VI standards.\1\
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    \1\ Generally, a covered product must comply with the relevant 
standard in effect as of the date the product is manufactured. For 
products imported into the U.S., this is the date of importation. 
See 42 U.S.C. 6291(10) (``The term `manufacture' means to 
manufacture, produce, assemble or import.'')
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II. Application for Exemption

    Green Electronics submitted its application requesting a one-year 
small business exception for specified models of Smart Irrigation 
Appliance products that use an AC-AC External Power supply (11OV to 
24VAC 750mA), part number HELMS-MAN; UA5420240075G. This adapter is a 
class IV linear transformer and cannot comply with the no load power 
consumption as required by the February 10, 2016, direct operation 
standards. These irrigation devices are used to conserve water and are 
tested to meet EPA's Federal WaterSense certification program.
    Green Electronics is asking for an exemption from the current EPS 
energy conservation standard on the basis of its status as a small 
business. According to Green Electronics, failure to receive a small 
business exemption will result in lessening of competition in the 
market for irrigation controllers.
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(t), DOE may grant an exemption from an 
applicable energy conservation standard to a manufacturer if DOE finds 
that the annual gross revenues of such manufacturer from all its 
operations (including the manufacture and sale of covered products) 
does not exceed $8,000,000 for the 12-month period preceding the date 
of the application. In making this finding, DOE must account for the 
annual gross revenues of any other person who controls, is controlled 
by, or is under common control with, such manufacturer. The Secretary 
may not grant an exemption with respect to any type (or class) of 
covered product subject to an energy conservation standard unless the 
Secretary makes a finding, after obtaining the written views of the 
Attorney General, that a failure to allow an exemption would likely 
result in a lessening of competition.

IV. Summary and Request for Comments

    DOE announces receipt of Green Electronics' application for a small 
business exemption of certain products from the energy conservation 
standards that apply to external power supplies. DOE is publishing 
Green Electronics' application for exemption in its entirety.
    DOE solicits comments from interested parties on all aspects of the 
application. Any person submitting written comments must also send a 
copy of such comments to the applicant. The contact information for the 
applicant is: Andrei Bulucea, CTO, Green Electronics LLC, 47801 Fremont 
Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538. All submissions received must 
include the agency name and case number for this proceeding. Submit 
electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Portable Document 
Format (PDF), or text (American Standard Code for Information 
Interchange (ASCII)) file format and avoid the use of special 
characters or any form of encryption. Wherever possible, include the 
electronic signature of the author. DOE does not accept telefacsimiles 
(faxes).
    According 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 two copies: One copy of the document including 
all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the 
document 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.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 24, 2016.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

From: Andrei Bulucea,
CTO
Green Electronics LLC
47801 Fremont Bvd
Fremont, CA 94588
Tel: 510-304-3262

To: U.S. Department of Energy
Small Business Exemption
Appliance Efficiency Standards
Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Renewable Energy,
Forrestal Building
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585.


    We are requesting a 1 year exemption for our Irrigation appliance 
product that is using an AC-AC External Power supply (11OV to 24VAC 
750mA), part number HELMS-MAN; UA5420240075G. This adapter is a class 
IV linear transformer no load power consumption as required by Level VI 
regulatory framework.
    This external AC-AC adapter is used to power our Smart Irrigation 
Appliance that in turn actuate irrigation valves that require 24VAC. 
More info about our products can be found at www.rainmachine.com
    NOTE: These devices are primarily used to conserve water and they 
are tested to meet EPA's Federal WaterSense certification program.
    We are asking for an exemption from this energy conservation 
standard based on the fact that our business is generating less than 
$8M/year in operations. We are attaching necessary documentation about 
our company, Green Electronics LLC.
    Failure to get this exemption will result in lessening of 
competition in our field of irrigation controllers.
    We are the manufacturer of our Irrigation appliances and we do not 
control or are being controlled by, or we are under common control with 
another manufacturer or manufacturing entity.
    Thank you for your consideration,

Andrei Bulucea
CTO, Green Electronics

[FR Doc. 2016-07281 Filed 3-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 62 / Thursday, March 31, 2016 / Notices 18609

in effect since July 1, 2008, as of DOE is publishing Green Electronics’ require 24VAC. More info about our
February 10, 2016, all newly- application for exemption in its entirety. products can be found at
manufactured or imported direct DOE solicits comments from www.rainmachine.com
operation EPSs must comply with the interested parties on all aspects of the NOTE: These devices are primarily
new Level VI standards.1 application. Any person submitting used to conserve water and they are
written comments must also send a tested to meet EPA’s Federal
II. Application for Exemption
copy of such comments to the applicant. WaterSense certification program.
Green Electronics submitted its The contact information for the We are asking for an exemption from
application requesting a one-year small applicant is: Andrei Bulucea, CTO, this energy conservation standard based
business exception for specified models Green Electronics LLC, 47801 Fremont on the fact that our business is
of Smart Irrigation Appliance products Boulevard, Fremont, California 94538. generating less than $8M/year in
that use an AC–AC External Power All submissions received must include operations. We are attaching necessary
supply (11OV to 24VAC 750mA), part the agency name and case number for documentation about our company,
number HELMS–MAN; this proceeding. Submit electronic Green Electronics LLC.
UA5420240075G. This adapter is a class comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Failure to get this exemption will
IV linear transformer and cannot Word, Portable Document Format (PDF), result in lessening of competition in our
comply with the no load power or text (American Standard Code for field of irrigation controllers.
consumption as required by the Information Interchange (ASCII)) file We are the manufacturer of our
February 10, 2016, direct operation format and avoid the use of special Irrigation appliances and we do not
standards. These irrigation devices are characters or any form of encryption. control or are being controlled by, or we
used to conserve water and are tested to Wherever possible, include the are under common control with another
meet EPA’s Federal WaterSense electronic signature of the author. DOE manufacturer or manufacturing entity.
certification program. does not accept telefacsimiles (faxes). Thank you for your consideration,
Green Electronics is asking for an According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
exemption from the current EPS energy Andrei Bulucea
person submitting information that he CTO, Green Electronics
conservation standard on the basis of its or she believes to be confidential and
status as a small business. According to [FR Doc. 2016–07281 Filed 3–30–16; 8:45 am]
exempt by law from public disclosure
Green Electronics, failure to receive a should submit two copies: One copy of
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
small business exemption will result in the document including all the
lessening of competition in the market information believed to be confidential,
for irrigation controllers. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
and one copy of the document with the
Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(t), DOE may information believed to be confidential
grant an exemption from an applicable Federal Energy Regulatory
deleted. DOE will make its own Commission
energy conservation standard to a determination about the confidential
manufacturer if DOE finds that the status of the information and treat it Combined Notice of Filings #1
annual gross revenues of such according to its determination.
manufacturer from all its operations Take notice that the Commission
(including the manufacture and sale of Issued in Washington, DC, on March 24, received the following electric corporate
2016. filings:
covered products) does not exceed
$8,000,000 for the 12-month period Kathleen B. Hogan,
Docket Numbers: EC16–92–000.
preceding the date of the application. In Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Applicants: ITC Interconnection LLC.
making this finding, DOE must account Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy. Description: Application under
for the annual gross revenues of any Section 203 for Acquisition of Assets by
other person who controls, is controlled From: Andrei Bulucea, ITC Interconnection LLC.
by, or is under common control with, CTO Filed Date: 3/24/16.
such manufacturer. The Secretary may Green Electronics LLC Accession Number: 20160324–5057.
not grant an exemption with respect to 47801 Fremont Bvd
Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/14/16.
any type (or class) of covered product Fremont, CA 94588
Tel: 510–304–3262 Take notice that the Commission
subject to an energy conservation received the following electric rate
standard unless the Secretary makes a To: U.S. Department of Energy
Small Business Exemption filings:
finding, after obtaining the written
views of the Attorney General, that a Appliance Efficiency Standards Docket Numbers: ER15–2239–003.
failure to allow an exemption would
Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Applicants: NextEra Energy
Renewable Energy, Transmission West, LLC.
likely result in a lessening of Forrestal Building
competition. Description: Compliance Filing of
1000 Independence Avenue SW., NextEra Energy Transmission West,
IV. Summary and Request for Washington, DC 20585.
LLC.
Comments We are requesting a 1 year exemption Filed Date: 3/23/16.
DOE announces receipt of Green for our Irrigation appliance product that Accession Number: 20160323–5218.
Electronics’ application for a small is using an AC–AC External Power Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/13/16.
business exemption of certain products supply (11OV to 24VAC 750mA), part Docket Numbers: ER16–1265–000.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

from the energy conservation standards number HELMS–MAN; Applicants: California Independent
that apply to external power supplies. UA5420240075G. This adapter is a class System Operator Corporation.
IV linear transformer no load power Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing:
1 Generally, a covered product must comply with
consumption as required by Level VI 2016–03–23 Minimum Load PMin
the relevant standard in effect as of the date the regulatory framework. Rerate Bidding Rules Enhancements
product is manufactured. For products imported
into the U.S., this is the date of importation. See
This external AC–AC adapter is used Amdt to be effective 5/23/2016.
42 U.S.C. 6291(10) (‘‘The term ‘manufacture’ means to power our Smart Irrigation Appliance Filed Date: 3/23/16.
to manufacture, produce, assemble or import.’’) that in turn actuate irrigation valves that Accession Number: 20160323–5195.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:09 Mar 30, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\31MRN1.SGM 31MRN1

Document Created: 2016-03-31 00:55:12
Document Modified: 2016-03-31 00:55:12

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of application for exemption and request for comment.
Dates		DOE will accept comments, data, and information until May 31, 2016.
Contact		Ms. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mail Stop EE-5B, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation		81 FR 18608

81 FR 18608 - Notice of Application From Green Electronics for a Small Business Exemption Regarding Certain Products From the Department of Energy's External Power Supply Energy Conservation Standards

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 62 (March 31, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy