82_FR_44530 82 FR 44347 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Distribution Transformers

82 FR 44347 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Distribution Transformers

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 183 (September 22, 2017)

Page Range44347-44353
FR Document2017-20225

The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data collection process through this RFI to consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for distribution transformers. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated with the currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern the degree to which the per-unit load (``PUL'') testing measurement accurately represents in- service distribution transformer performance, and provides test results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs during a representative average use cycle of an in-service transformer; sampling; representations; alternative energy determination methods (``AEDMs''); and any additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a future test procedure rulemaking, including methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the procedure's accuracy. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI).

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 183 (Friday, September 22, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 183 (Friday, September 22, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44347-44353]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20225]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 44347]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0055]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Distribution 
Transformers

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

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data 
collection process through this RFI to consider whether to amend DOE's 
test procedure for distribution transformers. To inform interested 
parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has gathered data, 
identifying several issues associated with the currently applicable 
test procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The 
issues outlined in this document mainly concern the degree to which the 
per-unit load (``PUL'') testing measurement accurately represents in-
service distribution transformer performance, and provides test results 
that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating 
costs during a representative average use cycle of an in-service 
transformer; sampling; representations; alternative energy 
determination methods (``AEDMs''); and any additional topics that may 
inform DOE's decisions in a future test procedure rulemaking, including 
methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the procedure's 
accuracy. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject 
within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this 
RFI).

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before October 23, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2017-BT-
TP-0055, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: [email protected]. Include 
docket number EERE-2017-BT-TP-0055 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc 
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 287-
1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is 
not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the 
rulemaking process, see section III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. However, 
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket Web page can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2017-BT-TP-0055. The docket Web page contains 
simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public 
comments, in the docket. See section III for information on how to 
submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Program, EE-5B 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9870. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Mary Greene, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-1817. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 586-6636 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope and Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    1. PUL Testing Requirements
    2. Temperature Correction
    C. Efficiency Metric
    D. Sampling, Representations, AEDMs
    E. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation 
standards and test procedures for certain industrial equipment, 
including distribution transformers. (42 U.S.C. 6317(a)) DOE's test 
procedures for distribution transformers are prescribed at 10 CFR 
431.193 and appendix A to subpart K of part 431. The following sections 
discuss DOE's authority to establish and amend test procedures for 
distribution transformers, as well as relevant background information 
regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures for this equipment.

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the 
Act''),\1\ Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317, as codified), among 
other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy

[[Page 44348]]

efficiency of a number of covered consumer products and industrial 
equipment. Title III, Part C \2\ of EPCA, added by Public Law 95-619, 
Title IV, Sec.  441(a), established the Energy Conservation Program for 
Certain Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions 
designed to improve energy efficiency. This equipment includes 
distribution transformers, the subject of this RFI. (42 U.S.C. 6317(a))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 
(EEIA 2015), Public Law 114-11 (April 30, 2015).
    \2\ For editorial purposes, upon codification into the U.S. 
Code, Part C was redesignated as Part A-1.
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    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists of four 
parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of the Act for distribution transformers include definitions 
(42 U.S.C. 6291; 42 U.S.C. 6311), energy conservation standards (42 
U.S.C. 6295; 42 U.S.C. 6317), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293; 42 
U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294; 42 U.S.C. 6315), and 
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 
U.S.C. 6316).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered equipment 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6316) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for 
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures 
and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(b)(2)(D))
    The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1) 
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable 
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6316(b); 42 U.S.C. 6296), and (2) making representations about the 
efficiency of that equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)) Similarly, DOE uses 
these test procedures to determine whether the equipment complies with 
relevant standards promulgated under EPCA.
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered equipment during a representative average 
use cycle or period of use and requires that test procedures not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
    If DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is warranted, it 
must publish proposed test procedures and offer the public an 
opportunity to present oral and written data, views and arguments on 
the proposed test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered equipment, including 
distribution transformers, to determine whether amended test procedures 
would more accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the 
test procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and to be 
reasonably designed to produce test results that reflect energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs during a 
representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)).
    DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information to 
inform DOE's 7-year review requirement specified in EPCA, which 
requires that DOE publish either an amendment to the test procedures or 
a determination that amended test procedures are not required. (42 
U.S.C. 6314(a)(1))

B. Rulemaking History

    DOE's current test procedure for distribution transformers is 
prescribed at 10 CFR 431.193 and appendix A to subpart K of part 431. 
EPCA states that the testing requirements for distribution transformers 
shall be based on the ``Standard Test Method for Measuring the Energy 
Consumption of Distribution Transformers'' prescribed by the National 
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA TP 2-1998). (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(10)(A))
    Accordingly, DOE prescribed the test procedure for distribution 
transformers on April 27, 2006 (hereafter ``April 2006 DT TP final 
rule''). 71 FR 24972. In an April 2013 final rule amending the 
standards for distribution transformers (hereafter ``April 2013 DT ECS 
final rule''), DOE determined that the test procedures did not require 
amendment at that time, concluding that the test procedure as 
established in the April 2006 DT TP final rule was reasonably designed 
to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency and energy use, 
as required by 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2). 78 FR 23336, 23347 (April 18, 
2013). However, in the April 2013 DT ECS final rule, DOE responded to 
stakeholder comments regarding the appropriateness of the test PUL \3\ 
requirement in its test procedure, stating that it may examine the 
topic of potential loading points in a dedicated test procedure 
rulemaking in the future. 78 FR 23336, 23350. Therefore, as part of 
this RFI DOE is giving further consideration to the appropriateness of 
the test PUL requirements, as discussed in the April 2013 DT ECS final 
rule.
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    \3\ PUL is the same concept and quantity as the ``percent of 
nameplate-rated load'' used in 10 CFR 431.196 and ``percent of the 
rated load'' used in section 3.5 of 10 CFR part 431, subpart K, 
appendix A.
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II. Request for Information

    In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues 
on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the technical and 
economic analyses regarding whether amended test procedures for 
distribution transformers may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is 
requesting comment on any opportunities to streamline and simplify 
testing requirements for distribution transformers.
    Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the 
conduct of this process that may not specifically be identified in this 
document. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive Order 13771, 
``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' Executive 
Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs associated 
with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with Federal 
regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017). Pursuant to that Executive 
Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on measures DOE could 
take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable to distribution 
transformers consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope and Definitions

    A ``transformer'' is a device consisting of 2 or more coils of 
insulated wire that transfers alternating current by electromagnetic 
induction from 1 coil to another to change the original voltage or 
current value. 10 CFR 431.192. A ``distribution transformer'' is a 
transformer that: (1) Has an input voltage of 34.5 kV or less; (2) has 
an output voltage of 600 V or less; (3) is rated for operation at a 
frequency of 60 Hz; and (4) has a capacity of 10 kVA to 2500 kVA for 
liquid-immersed units and 15 kVA to 2500 kVA for dry-type units. Id. 
The term ``distribution transformer'' does not include a transformer 
that is an autotransformer; drive (isolation) transformer; grounding 
transformer; machine-tool (control) transformer; nonventilated 
transformer; rectifier transformer; regulating transformer; sealed 
transformer; special-impedance

[[Page 44349]]

transformer; testing transformer; transformer with tap range of 20 
percent or more; uninterruptible power supply transformer; or welding 
transformer. Id.
    A ``liquid-immersed distribution transformer'' is a distribution 
transformer in which the core and coil assembly is immersed in an 
insulating liquid. Id. A ``low-voltage dry-type distribution 
transformer'' is a distribution transformer that has an input voltage 
of 600 volts or less; is air-cooled; and does not use oil as a coolant. 
Id. A ``medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformer'' means a 
distribution transformer in which the core and coil assembly is 
immersed in a gaseous or dry-compound insulating medium, and which has 
a rated primary voltage between 601 V and 34.5 kV. Id.

B. Test Procedure

1. PUL Testing Requirements
    PUL specification is a key component of the distribution 
transformer test procedure because the efficiency of the transformer 
varies based on PUL. The test procedure for distribution transformers 
must be reasonably designed to produce test results that reflect energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs during a 
representative average use cycle, and to have a test procedure is not 
unduly burdensome to conduct. To this end, the test PUL is intended to 
represent the typical \4\ PUL experienced by in-service distribution 
transformers. However, some complications exist, including: (1) A given 
customer may not operate the transformer at a single constant PUL, and 
(2) a transformer model may be used at different PULs by different 
customers. To further examine the test PUL specification, DOE reviewed 
the test PUL requirements in the current test procedure and the load 
analysis from the April 2013 DT ECS final rule.
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    \4\ Industry commonly uses the root mean square (``RMS'') PUL as 
an estimate of the ``typical'' or ``average'' PUL experienced by a 
transformer in service.
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    The current PUL specifications required for rating transformers are 
specified in 10 CFR 431.196 and section 3.5 of 10 CFR part 431, subpart 
K, appendix A (hereafter ``Appendix A''). The current test procedure in 
Appendix A requires that both liquid-immersed transformers and medium-
voltage, dry-type (``MVDT'') transformers are rated at 50 percent PUL, 
and that low-voltage, dry-type (``LVDT'') transformers are rated at 35 
percent PUL. Specifically, in section 3.5(a) of Appendix A, the test 
procedure requires that the reference temperature at which winding 
resistance is measured is 55 [deg]C for liquid-immersed transformers 
and MVDT transformers loaded at 50 percent of the rated load, and is 75 
[deg]C for LVDT transformers loaded at 35 percent of the rated load. In 
addition, 10 CFR 431.196 notes that all efficiency values are at 35 
percent of nameplate-rated load for LVDT transformers, and at 50 
percent of nameplate-rated load for liquid-immersed and MVDT 
transformers, determined according to the DOE test procedure in 
Appendix A. These test PULs are consistent with NEMA TP 2-1998, the 
test method required by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(10)) DOE is requesting 
input as to whether the test PUL values used in the test method reflect 
PULs experienced in practice.
    DOE's research in support of its April 2013 DT ECS final rule 
indicated that distribution transformers in service experience a large 
load diversity and, on average, are operated at a difference of a RMS 
PUL from those at which they are rated for some equipment classes. 78 
FR 23336, 23349-23350. DOE's analysis produced a distribution of 
typical RMS PULs for the considered liquid-immersed and MVDT, and LVDT 
distribution transformers.\5\
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    \5\ The details of this analysis are documented in the final 
rule Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for 
Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment 
Distribution Transformers; chapter 7 and appendix 7A. (available at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2010-BT-STD-0048-0760).
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    DOE estimated that, on average, the initial (first year) RMS PUL 
for liquid-immersed transformers ranged from 34 and 40 percent for 
single- and three-phase equipment, respectively, with a one percent 
annual increase over the life of the transformer to account for 
connected load growth. This resulted in a lifetime \6\ average PUL of 
49 and 56 percent for single- and three-phase liquid-immersed 
transformers, respectively.\7\ This is consistent with the current test 
procedure requirements of rating liquid-immersed transformers at 50 
percent PUL. In the April 2013 DT ECS final rule, DOE it had received 
public comment stating that utilities had oversized transformers due to 
their inability to accurately monitor transformer loading and due to 
their assumption that loading will increase in the future. In the case 
of liquid-immersed transformers, this may account for the relatively 
low PUL as a function of transformer capacity. See, 78 FR 23336, 23349, 
citing comment from Baltimore Gas and Electric.
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    \6\ DOE estimated the average lifetime for distribution 
transformers to be 32 years. 78 FR 23336, 23377.
    \7\ The result of DOE's transformer load analysis for medium-
voltage liquid-immersed distribution transformers are contained in 
the Life-cycle Cost and Payback Period spreadsheet tools for design 
lines (DL) 1 through 5 on the Forecast Cells tab. (available at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2010-BT-STD-0048-0767).
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    Further, in the April 2013 DT ECS final rule, DOE estimated that, 
on average, the RMS PUL for LVDT transformers ranged from 20 and 25 
percent for commercial and industrial customers, respectively.\8\ 
Finally, DOE estimated that, on average, the PUL for MVDT transformers 
ranged from 32 and 38 percent for commercial and industrial customers, 
respectively.\9\ However, the current test procedure requirements for 
rating LVDT and MVDT transformers are 35 and 50 percent PUL, 
respectively. DOE also assumed in its April 2013 DT ECS final rule that 
there would be no load growth over the life of LVDT and MVDT 
distribution transformers. 78 FR 23336, 23375.
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    \8\ The result of DOE's transformer load analysis for low-
voltage dry-type distribution transformers are contained in the 
Life-cycle Cost and Payback Period spreadsheet tools for DLs 6 
through 8 on the Forecast Cells tab. (available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2011-BT-STD-0051-0085).
    \9\ The result of DOE's transformer load analysis for medium-
voltage dry-type distribution transformers are contained in the 
Life-cycle Cost and Payback Period spreadsheet tools for DL 9 
through 13B on the Forecast Cells tab. (available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2010-BT-STD-0048-0764).
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    Therefore, the PUL requirements in the test procedure might not 
fully reflect the PUL experienced by in-service distribution 
transformers. Consequently, the degree of alignment of test PUL with 
in-service PUL of a customer's individual distribution transformer may 
affect how closely the test procedure-estimated energy use mirrors the 
actual energy use experienced by the customer.
    Currently, a customer can specify that transformer efficiency be 
optimized to their in-service PUL, but that customer is limited to 
purchasing transformers that comply with the energy conservation 
standard at the test PUL. However, DOE estimated that approximately 10 
percent of liquid-immersed, and 2 percent of LVDT and MVDT customers 
evaluate transformer efficiency when making a purchase, indicating that 
the remainder of customers prioritize low price (and ignore efficiency) 
when purchasing transformers of their required specification. 77 FR 
7323.
    To the extent that transformer purchases are market-price driven, 
DOE would expect that the lowest-cost transformer design would likely 
have an efficiency peak at or near the test PUL. This low-cost 
transformer would experience reduced efficiency when

[[Page 44350]]

operated at PULs other than the test PUL for which it was likely 
optimized. If in-service PUL differs from test PUL, equipment may be 
suboptimal for the expected operating conditions. If instead, the test 
procedure (via PUL specification) incentivized optimization at the in-
service PUL, increased in-service performance may be possible with no 
increase in purchase price relative to transformers designed to meet 
existing standards via the existing test procedure. DOE also recognizes 
that many transformer purchasers are utilities that likely well 
understand these relationships. As such, as described above, factors 
other than efficiency (such as requirements by Public Utility 
Commissions) are likely driving purchasing decisions. DOE understands 
there may be variation between the PUL specified in the test procedure 
and actual use and seeks comment on how these factors should be 
considered given the sophisticated nature of transformer purchases.
    As discussed, in-service distribution transformers experience a 
wide range of load conditions. In addition, based on DOE's initial 
analysis, distribution transformers may be operated at PULs different 
from those at which they are rated. To evaluate in-service PUL further, 
DOE is seeking to understand the relation between in-service PUL as 
compared to rated PUL. To that end, DOE requests any related 
information or data that commenters believe would assist DOE in its 
understanding. This information may include PUL data for liquid-
immersed, MVDT, and LVDT distribution transformers in operation, 
including the kVA ranges, number of phases (single- or three-phase) and 
application type associated with the PUL data. In addition, DOE also 
requests data on the potential annual load growth expected for newly 
installed transformers. Finally, DOE requests information on the extent 
to which the identified issue is taken into account by utilities 
purchasing transformers.
    DOE is interested in PUL data gathered from distribution 
transformers in operation, including information from manufacturers, 
utilities, and industry groups (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and 
Electronics Engineers).
    Issue 1. DOE seeks comment, data, and information regarding initial 
(first year of service) PUL data for distribution transformers.
    Issue 2. DOE requests input on the initial RMS PUL values presented 
in section I.B of this RFI. More broadly, DOE requests input on the 
distribution of PUL values experienced by the population of
    Issue 3. transformers of a given category (e.g., specific kVA, 
phases, application, etc.). Specifically, commenters should specify 
whether the distributional data they provide represents the first year 
of service, or the full lifetime.
    Issue 4. DOE seeks comment, data and information regarding the load 
growth estimate over the life of distribution transformers currently 
being installed. Specifically, DOE seeks comment, data and information 
on whether loads will increase over time, and if so, what the annual 
load growth would be for liquid-immersed, LVDT, and MVDT transformers, 
respectively.
    Issue 5. DOE seeks comment, data and information regarding the 
extent to which efficiency is taken into account in transformer 
purchasing decisions.
2. Temperature Correction
    DOE's current test procedure specifies temperature correction of 
measured loss values, a process that calculates the losses of a 
transformer as though its internal temperature during testing was equal 
to a ``reference'' temperature. The reference temperature provides a 
common point of comparison, so that the effect of temperature on 
efficiency is diminished. In general, higher internal temperature 
increases load losses, in part due to increased resistivity of the 
conductor/windings. If transformers in service do not reach the same 
internal temperature (under identical operating conditions, including 
ambient temperature and PUL), temperature correction may weaken the 
ability of the test procedure to predict relative in-service 
performance. For example, two otherwise-identical transformers may have 
different inherent abilities to shed heat. As a result, one may operate 
at a lower internal temperature under identical operating conditions, 
and produce lower losses. If a test procedure evaluates both units as 
though they had reached the same internal temperature, then those lower 
in-service losses (which are an advantage to the customer) may not be 
reflected.
    DOE is requesting comments, data, and information from interested 
parties on whether the current temperature correction is appropriate or 
whether alternative approaches should be considered.
    Issue 6. DOE seeks comments, data, and information regarding the 
appropriateness of the current test procedure requirements with respect 
to temperature correction. Specifically, DOE requests comment on 
whether testing at specified ambient conditions or correcting to the 
same internal temperature is more representative of distribution 
transformer in-service performance.
    Issue 7. DOE seeks comments, data, and information regarding how 
temperature varies with PUL, and how significantly it affects 
transformer performance over a PUL range. Specifically, under the 
current internal temperature correction methodology, DOE requests 
comment on how it could specify the reference temperature for testing 
at PULs other than the current test PUL.

C. Efficiency Metric

    As noted, the current DOE test procedure measures efficiency at a 
single test PUL. Based on the data and information received in response 
to this RFI, DOE may consider either continuing to use the current 
single test PUL requirements for rating distribution transformers, or 
revising the single test PUL to an alternative single test PUL, if it 
better reflects how distribution transformers operate in service. 
Alternatively, DOE may consider an alternative efficiency metric 
altogether, such as a multiple-PUL weighted-average efficiency metric. 
Use of a weighted-average efficiency metric comprised of more than one 
test PUL may better reflect how distribution transformers operate in 
service because a given distribution transformer commonly experiences a 
range of PULs in service depending on the end-use of the customer. In 
addition, a given customer is unlikely to operate a distribution 
transformer at a single, constant PUL equal to the typical PUL. Thus, a 
single test PUL may not fully capture how distribution transformers 
operate in service.
    While a weighted-average efficiency could result in additional test 
burden, DOE understands that this metric may more effectively 
characterize operation in-service. In addition, the additional test 
burden could be mitigated via the AEDM for distribution transformers. 
This is because AEDMs would allow manufacturers to determine the 
efficiency of one or more of its untested basic models using a 
mathematical model instead of testing.
    Issue 8. DOE seeks comments, data, and information on the continued 
use of a single test PUL requirement. Further, if a single test PUL 
requirement is maintained, DOE seeks comment on whether the existing 
single test PUL requirements should be maintained or whether alternate 
single test PUL requirements may better match the typical or RMS value 
in service. In addition, DOE seeks comment on the testing burden using 
an alternate single

[[Page 44351]]

test PUL as compared to the current test procedure.
    Issue 9. DOE seeks comments, data, and information regarding 
testing a single transformer at multiple PULs. Specifically, DOE seeks 
comment on the degree to which a multiple-PUL weighted-average 
efficiency would more accurately reflect distribution transformer 
operation in service, as compared to the current test procedure. In 
addition, DOE seeks comment on any additional testing burden that might 
be associated with testing at multiple PULs.
    Issue 10. DOE seeks comments, data, and information regarding the 
number of PULs (and the corresponding test PUL values) that parties 
believe may be appropriate for a multiple PUL test procedure. In 
addition, DOE seeks comments, data, and information regarding what 
weightings or additional requirements may be necessary under a multiple 
PUL test procedure.
    Issue 11. DOE seeks comments, data, and information on whether 
there are any other options or alternative metrics not presented in 
this RFI that should be considered for measuring and rating the 
efficiency of distribution transformers.

D. Sampling, Representations, AEDMs

    The certification and compliance requirements for distribution 
transformers are codified under 10 CFR 429.11, 429.12, 429.47, 429.70, 
429.110, and in Appendix C to Subpart C of Part 429. DOE's sampling 
requirements are listed at 10 CFR 429.47. The sampling requirements, 
among other things, state that, (1) the provisions of 10 CFR 429.11 
apply, (2) efficiency of a basic model may be determined through 
testing or through application of an AEDM under the requirements of 10 
CFR 429.70, and (3) a manufacturer must use a sample of at least five 
units if more than five units have been manufactured over a span of six 
months (10 CFR 429.47(a)(2)(i)(B)), or as many as have been produced if 
five or fewer have been manufactured over a span of six months (10 CFR 
429.47(a)(2)(i)(A)).
    Issue 12. DOE seeks comment regarding the sampling requirements for 
distribution transformers. Specifically, DOE seeks information on how 
manufacturers have been applying the sampling provisions. DOE also 
seeks comments from manufacturers on whether there are instances in 
which there are questions as to how to apply the sampling requirements 
or select the appropriate sample size.
    10 CFR 429.47(a)(2)(ii) states that any represented value of 
efficiency of a basic model must be less than or equal to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22SE17.002

Where:

x = the arithmetic mean of the sample units' tested efficiencies, 
and
n = number of units in the sample.

    This provision permits representation of a basic model efficiency 
greater than the arithmetic mean of the sample units' tested 
efficiencies. The degree to which it may exceed the mean is a function 
of the sample size; smaller samples may exceed the mean by a greater 
amount. As a result, manufacturers may represent an efficiency for a 
basic model between the value of Equation 1 and the minimum efficiency 
requirements at 10 CFR 431.196.
    DOE notes that distribution transformer test reports do not always 
indicate how efficiency is calculated, nor do they always provide 
information about the measured values.
    Issue 13. DOE seeks comment regarding the represented values of 
efficiency relative to calculated values, specifically, whether 
manufacturers typically represent the minimum efficiency standard, the 
maximum represented efficiency (RE) allowable, or a different value; 
how manufacturers determine what value to represent; and why.
    Issue 14. DOE's requirements related to AEDMs are at 10 CFR 429.70. 
This section specifies under which circumstances an AEDM may be 
developed, validated, and applied to product performance ratings for 
certain covered products and equipment. AEDM application to 
distribution transformers is permitted pursuant to 10 CFR 429.47(a)(2) 
and may serve a manufacturer who finds it burdensome to physically test 
units of each basic model sold. However, DOE notes that currently, 
manufacturers frequently test every basic model instead of calculating 
efficiency using the AEDM provisions.
    Issue 15. DOE seeks information regarding the usefulness of the 
AEDM provisions, and whether and why manufacturers select the option to 
use AEDMs.

E. Other Test Procedure Topics

    In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE 
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedures 
for distribution transformers not already addressed by the specific 
areas identified in this document. DOE particularly seeks information 
that would improve the repeatability, reproducibility, and consumer 
representativeness of the test procedures. DOE also requests 
information that would help DOE create a procedure that would limit 
manufacturer test burden through streamlining or simplifying testing 
requirements. Comments regarding the repeatability and reproducibility 
are also welcome.
    DOE also requests feedback on any potential amendments to the 
existing test procedure that could be considered to address impacts on 
manufacturers, including small businesses. Regarding the Federal test 
method, DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test procedure 
should consider and be harmonized with the most recent relevant 
industry standards for distribution transformers and whether there are 
any changes to the Federal test method that would provide additional 
benefits to the public. DOE also requests comment on the benefits and 
burdens of adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other 
appropriate test procedure, without modification. As discussed, the 
Federal test method for distribution transformers is based on the 
industry standard NEMA TP 2-1998. The Federal test method is also based 
on IEEE C57.12.90-1999 ``IEEE Standard Test Code for Liquid-Immersed 
Distribution, Power and Regulating Transformers and IEEE Guide for 
Short Circuit Testing of Distribution and Power Transformers;'' IEEE 
C57.12.91-2001, ``IEEE Standard Test Code for Dry-Type Distribution and 
Power Transformers;'' IEEE C57.12.00-2000, ``IEEE Standard General 
Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power and Regulating 
Transformers;'' and IEEE C57.12.01-1998, ``IEEE Standard General 
Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers Including 
those with Solid Cast and/or Resin Encapsulated

[[Page 44352]]

Windings.'' When establishing the Federal test procedure for 
distribution transformers, DOE determined that basing the procedure on 
multiple industry standards, as opposed to adopting an industry test 
procedure (or procedures) without modification, was necessary to 
provide the detail and accuracy required for the Federal test 
procedure, with the additional benefit of providing manufacturers the 
Federal test procedure in a single reference. 71 FR 24972, 24982.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedures limit a manufacturer's ability to provide additional 
features to consumers on distribution transformers. DOE particularly 
seeks information on how the test procedures could be amended to reduce 
the cost of new or additional features and make it more likely that 
such features are included on distribution transformers.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by October 
23, 2017, comments, and information on matters addressed in this notice 
and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of amended test 
procedures for distribution transformers. These comments and 
information will aid in the development of a test procedure NOPR for 
distribution transformers if DOE determines that amended test 
procedures may be appropriate for these products.
    Submitting comments via http://regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted 
through http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments 
received through the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the 
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the 
Confidential Business Information section below.
    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and 
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be 
posted to http://www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal 
contact information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your 
comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not 
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be 
accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. 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 via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy 
of the document marked confidential including all the information 
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-
confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted. 
Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat 
submitted information as confidential include (1) a description of the 
items, (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as 
confidential within the industry, (3) whether the information is 
generally known by or available from other sources, (4) whether the 
information has previously been made available to others without 
obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the 
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from 
public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its 
confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why 
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of the rulemaking 
process. Interactions with and between members of the public provide a 
balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking 
process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to 
receive future notices and information about this rulemaking should 
contact Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-
6636 or via email at [email protected].


[[Page 44353]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 29, 2017.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2017-20225 Filed 9-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P



                                                                                                                                                             44347

     Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                   Vol. 82, No. 183

                                                                                                                   Friday, September 22, 2017



     This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    instructions for submitting comments.                 Technologies Program, EE–5B 1000
     contains notices to the public of the proposed          Alternatively, interested persons may                 Independence Avenue SW.,
     issuance of rules and regulations. The                  submit comments, identified by docket                 Washington, DC 20585–0121.
     purpose of these notices is to give interested          number EERE–2017–BT–TP–0055, by                       Telephone: (202) 586–9870. Email:
     persons an opportunity to participate in the            any of the following methods:                         ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
     rule making prior to the adoption of the final
                                                               1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://              ee.doe.gov.
     rules.
                                                             www.regulations.gov. Follow the                         Ms. Mary Greene, U.S. Department of
                                                             instructions for submitting comments.                 Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
     DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY                                      2. Email: DistributionTransformers                  GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue
                                                             2017TP0055@ee.doe.gov. Include docket                 SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121.
     10 CFR Parts 429 and 431                                number EERE–2017–BT–TP–0055 in the                    Telephone: (202) 586–1817. Email:
                                                             subject line of the message.                          mary.greene@hq.doe.gov.
     [EERE–2017–BT–TP–0055]
                                                               3. Postal Mail: Appliance and                         For further information on how to
     Energy Conservation Program: Test                       Equipment Standards Program, U.S.                     submit a comment or review other
     Procedure for Distribution                              Department of Energy, Building                        public comments and the docket,
     Transformers                                            Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B,                 contact the Appliance and Equipment
                                                             1000 Independence Avenue SW.,                         Standards Program staff at (202) 586–
     AGENCY:  Office of Energy Efficiency and                Washington, DC 20585–0121.                            6636 or by email:
     Renewable Energy, Department of                         Telephone: (202) 287–1445. If possible,               ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
     Energy.                                                 please submit all items on a compact                  ee.doe.gov.
     ACTION: Request for information (RFI).                  disc (‘‘CD’’), in which case it is not                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                             necessary to include printed copies.
     SUMMARY:    The U.S. Department of                        4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance                 Table of Contents
     Energy (‘‘DOE’’) is initiating a data                   and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.                 I. Introduction
     collection process through this RFI to                  Department of Energy, Building                           A. Authority and Background
     consider whether to amend DOE’s test                    Technologies Program, 950 L’Enfant                       B. Rulemaking History
     procedure for distribution transformers.                Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC                  II. Request for Information
     To inform interested parties and to                     20024. Phone: (202) 287–1445. If                         A. Scope and Definitions
     facilitate this process, DOE has gathered               possible, please submit all items on a                   B. Test Procedure
     data, identifying several issues                        CD, in which case it is not necessary to                 1. PUL Testing Requirements
     associated with the currently applicable                                                                         2. Temperature Correction
                                                             include printed copies.
     test procedure on which DOE is                                                                                   C. Efficiency Metric
                                                               No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be                      D. Sampling, Representations, AEDMs
     interested in receiving comment. The                    accepted. For detailed instructions on                   E. Other Test Procedure Topics
     issues outlined in this document mainly                 submitting comments and additional                    III. Submission of Comments
     concern the degree to which the per-                    information on the rulemaking process,
     unit load (‘‘PUL’’) testing measurement                 see section III of this document.                     I. Introduction
     accurately represents in-service                          Docket: The docket for this activity,                  DOE is authorized to establish and
     distribution transformer performance,                   which includes Federal Register                       amend energy conservation standards
     and provides test results that reflect                  notices, comments, and other                          and test procedures for certain
     energy efficiency, energy use, and                      supporting documents/materials, is                    industrial equipment, including
     estimated operating costs during a                      available for review at http://                       distribution transformers. (42 U.S.C.
     representative average use cycle of an                  www.regulations.gov. All documents in                 6317(a)) DOE’s test procedures for
     in-service transformer; sampling;                       the docket are listed in the http://                  distribution transformers are prescribed
     representations; alternative energy                     www.regulations.gov index. However,                   at 10 CFR 431.193 and appendix A to
     determination methods (‘‘AEDMs’’); and                  some documents listed in the index,                   subpart K of part 431. The following
     any additional topics that may inform                   such as those containing information                  sections discuss DOE’s authority to
     DOE’s decisions in a future test                        that is exempt from public disclosure,                establish and amend test procedures for
     procedure rulemaking, including                         may not be publicly available.                        distribution transformers, as well as
     methods to reduce regulatory burden                       The docket Web page can be found at                 relevant background information
     while ensuring the procedure’s                          http://www.regulations.gov/#!docket                   regarding DOE’s consideration of test
     accuracy. DOE welcomes written                          Detail;D=EERE-2017-BT-TP-0055. The                    procedures for this equipment.
     comments from the public on any                         docket Web page contains simple
     subject within the scope of this                        instructions on how to access all                     A. Authority and Background
     document (including topics not raised                   documents, including public comments,                   The Energy Policy and Conservation
     in this RFI).                                           in the docket. See section III for                    Act of 1975 (‘‘EPCA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’),1
     DATES: Written comments and                             information on how to submit                          Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
     information are requested and will be                   comments through http://                              6317, as codified), among other things,
     accepted on or before October 23, 2017.                 www.regulations.gov.                                  authorizes DOE to regulate the energy
     ADDRESSES: Interested persons are                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    Mr.                 1 All references to EPCA in this document refer
     encouraged to submit comments using                     Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of                      to the statute as amended through the Energy
     the Federal eRulemaking Portal at                       Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and               Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 (EEIA 2015),
     http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  Renewable Energy, Building                            Public Law 114–11 (April 30, 2015).



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     44348                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules

     efficiency of a number of covered                       period of use and requires that test                  requirement in its test procedure, stating
     consumer products and industrial                        procedures not be unduly burdensome                   that it may examine the topic of
     equipment. Title III, Part C 2 of EPCA,                 to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))                    potential loading points in a dedicated
     added by Public Law 95–619, Title IV,                      If DOE determines that a test                      test procedure rulemaking in the future.
     § 441(a), established the Energy                        procedure amendment is warranted, it                  78 FR 23336, 23350. Therefore, as part
     Conservation Program for Certain                        must publish proposed test procedures                 of this RFI DOE is giving further
     Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a                and offer the public an opportunity to                consideration to the appropriateness of
     variety of provisions designed to                       present oral and written data, views and              the test PUL requirements, as discussed
     improve energy efficiency. This                         arguments on the proposed test                        in the April 2013 DT ECS final rule.
     equipment includes distribution                         procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b))
                                                                EPCA also requires that, at least once             II. Request for Information
     transformers, the subject of this RFI. (42
     U.S.C. 6317(a))                                         every 7 years, DOE evaluate test                         In the following sections, DOE has
        Under EPCA, DOE’s energy                             procedures for each type of covered                   identified a variety of issues on which
     conservation program consists of four                   equipment, including distribution                     it seeks input to aid in the development
     parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3)                   transformers, to determine whether                    of the technical and economic analyses
     Federal energy conservation standards,                  amended test procedures would more                    regarding whether amended test
     and (4) certification and enforcement                   accurately or fully comply with the                   procedures for distribution transformers
     procedures. Relevant provisions of the                  requirements for the test procedures to               may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is
     Act for distribution transformers                       not be unduly burdensome to conduct                   requesting comment on any
     include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291; 42                 and to be reasonably designed to                      opportunities to streamline and simplify
     U.S.C. 6311), energy conservation                       produce test results that reflect energy              testing requirements for distribution
     standards (42 U.S.C. 6295; 42 U.S.C.                    efficiency, energy use, and estimated                 transformers.
     6317), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293;                 operating costs during a representative                  Additionally, DOE welcomes
     42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42                average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)).            comments on other issues relevant to
     U.S.C. 6294; 42 U.S.C. 6315), and the                      DOE is publishing this RFI to collect              the conduct of this process that may not
     authority to require information and                    data and information to inform DOE’s                  specifically be identified in this
     reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C.                   7-year review requirement specified in                document. In particular, DOE notes that
     6316).                                                  EPCA, which requires that DOE publish                 under Executive Order 13771,
        Federal energy efficiency                            either an amendment to the test                       ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling
     requirements for covered equipment                      procedures or a determination that                    Regulatory Costs,’’ Executive Branch
     established under EPCA generally                        amended test procedures are not                       agencies such as DOE are directed to
     supersede State laws and regulations                    required. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1))                      manage the costs associated with the
     concerning energy conservation testing,                                                                       imposition of expenditures required to
                                                             B. Rulemaking History
     labeling, and standards. (42 U.S.C. 6316)                                                                     comply with Federal regulations. See 82
     DOE may, however, grant waivers of                         DOE’s current test procedure for                   FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017). Pursuant to that
     Federal preemption for particular State                 distribution transformers is prescribed               Executive Order, DOE encourages the
     laws or regulations, in accordance with                 at 10 CFR 431.193 and appendix A to                   public to provide input on measures
     the procedures and other provisions of                  subpart K of part 431. EPCA states that               DOE could take to lower the cost of its
     EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(b)(2)(D))                         the testing requirements for distribution             regulations applicable to distribution
        The Federal testing requirements                     transformers shall be based on the                    transformers consistent with the
     consist of test procedures that                         ‘‘Standard Test Method for Measuring                  requirements of EPCA.
     manufacturers of covered equipment                      the Energy Consumption of Distribution
     must use as the basis for: (1) Certifying               Transformers’’ prescribed by the                      A. Scope and Definitions
     to DOE that their equipment complies                    National Electrical Manufacturers                        A ‘‘transformer’’ is a device consisting
     with the applicable energy conservation                 Association (NEMA TP 2–1998). (42                     of 2 or more coils of insulated wire that
     standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42                  U.S.C. 6293(b)(10)(A))                                transfers alternating current by
     U.S.C. 6316(b); 42 U.S.C. 6296), and (2)                   Accordingly, DOE prescribed the test               electromagnetic induction from 1 coil to
     making representations about the                        procedure for distribution transformers               another to change the original voltage or
     efficiency of that equipment. (42 U.S.C.                on April 27, 2006 (hereafter ‘‘April 2006             current value. 10 CFR 431.192. A
     6314(d)) Similarly, DOE uses these test                 DT TP final rule’’). 71 FR 24972. In an               ‘‘distribution transformer’’ is a
     procedures to determine whether the                     April 2013 final rule amending the                    transformer that: (1) Has an input
     equipment complies with relevant                        standards for distribution transformers               voltage of 34.5 kV or less; (2) has an
     standards promulgated under EPCA.                       (hereafter ‘‘April 2013 DT ECS final                  output voltage of 600 V or less; (3) is
        Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth                rule’’), DOE determined that the test                 rated for operation at a frequency of 60
     the criteria and procedures DOE must                    procedures did not require amendment                  Hz; and (4) has a capacity of 10 kVA to
     follow when prescribing or amending                     at that time, concluding that the test                2500 kVA for liquid-immersed units and
     test procedures for covered equipment.                  procedure as established in the April                 15 kVA to 2500 kVA for dry-type units.
     EPCA requires that any test procedures                  2006 DT TP final rule was reasonably                  Id. The term ‘‘distribution transformer’’
     prescribed or amended under this                        designed to produce test results that                 does not include a transformer that is an
     section must be reasonably designed to                  reflect energy efficiency and energy use,             autotransformer; drive (isolation)
     produce test results which measure                      as required by 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2). 78               transformer; grounding transformer;
     energy efficiency, energy use or                        FR 23336, 23347 (April 18, 2013).                     machine-tool (control) transformer;
     estimated annual operating cost of a                    However, in the April 2013 DT ECS                     nonventilated transformer; rectifier
     covered equipment during a                              final rule, DOE responded to                          transformer; regulating transformer;
     representative average use cycle or                     stakeholder comments regarding the                    sealed transformer; special-impedance
                                                             appropriateness of the test PUL 3
       2 For editorial purposes, upon codification into                                                            431.196 and ‘‘percent of the rated load’’ used in
     the U.S. Code, Part C was redesignated                    3 PUL  is the same concept and quantity as the      section 3.5 of 10 CFR part 431, subpart K,
     as Part A–1.                                            ‘‘percent of nameplate-rated load’’ used in 10 CFR    appendix A.



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                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                                     44349

     transformer; testing transformer;                       liquid-immersed transformers and                         account for the relatively low PUL as a
     transformer with tap range of 20 percent                MVDT transformers loaded at 50                           function of transformer capacity. See, 78
     or more; uninterruptible power supply                   percent of the rated load, and is 75 °C                  FR 23336, 23349, citing comment from
     transformer; or welding transformer. Id.                for LVDT transformers loaded at 35                       Baltimore Gas and Electric.
        A ‘‘liquid-immersed distribution                     percent of the rated load. In addition, 10                  Further, in the April 2013 DT ECS
     transformer’’ is a distribution                         CFR 431.196 notes that all efficiency                    final rule, DOE estimated that, on
     transformer in which the core and coil                  values are at 35 percent of nameplate-                   average, the RMS PUL for LVDT
     assembly is immersed in an insulating                   rated load for LVDT transformers, and at                 transformers ranged from 20 and 25
     liquid. Id. A ‘‘low-voltage dry-type                    50 percent of nameplate-rated load for                   percent for commercial and industrial
     distribution transformer’’ is a                         liquid-immersed and MVDT                                 customers, respectively.8 Finally, DOE
     distribution transformer that has an                    transformers, determined according to                    estimated that, on average, the PUL for
     input voltage of 600 volts or less; is air-             the DOE test procedure in Appendix A.                    MVDT transformers ranged from 32 and
     cooled; and does not use oil as a                       These test PULs are consistent with                      38 percent for commercial and
     coolant. Id. A ‘‘medium-voltage dry-type                NEMA TP 2–1998, the test method                          industrial customers, respectively.9
     distribution transformer’’ means a                      required by EPCA. (42 U.S.C.                             However, the current test procedure
     distribution transformer in which the                   6293(b)(10)) DOE is requesting input as                  requirements for rating LVDT and
     core and coil assembly is immersed in                   to whether the test PUL values used in                   MVDT transformers are 35 and 50
     a gaseous or dry-compound insulating                    the test method reflect PULs                             percent PUL, respectively. DOE also
     medium, and which has a rated primary                   experienced in practice.                                 assumed in its April 2013 DT ECS final
     voltage between 601 V and 34.5 kV. Id.                     DOE’s research in support of its April                rule that there would be no load growth
                                                             2013 DT ECS final rule indicated that                    over the life of LVDT and MVDT
     B. Test Procedure
                                                             distribution transformers in service                     distribution transformers. 78 FR 23336,
     1. PUL Testing Requirements                             experience a large load diversity and, on                23375.
        PUL specification is a key component                 average, are operated at a difference of                    Therefore, the PUL requirements in
     of the distribution transformer test                    a RMS PUL from those at which they are                   the test procedure might not fully reflect
     procedure because the efficiency of the                 rated for some equipment classes. 78 FR                  the PUL experienced by in-service
     transformer varies based on PUL. The                    23336, 23349–23350. DOE’s analysis                       distribution transformers. Consequently,
     test procedure for distribution                         produced a distribution of typical RMS                   the degree of alignment of test PUL with
     transformers must be reasonably                         PULs for the considered liquid-                          in-service PUL of a customer’s
     designed to produce test results that                   immersed and MVDT, and LVDT                              individual distribution transformer may
     reflect energy efficiency, energy use,                  distribution transformers.5                              affect how closely the test procedure-
     and estimated operating costs during a                     DOE estimated that, on average, the                   estimated energy use mirrors the actual
     representative average use cycle, and to                initial (first year) RMS PUL for liquid-                 energy use experienced by the customer.
     have a test procedure is not unduly                     immersed transformers ranged from 34                        Currently, a customer can specify that
     burdensome to conduct. To this end, the                 and 40 percent for single- and three-                    transformer efficiency be optimized to
     test PUL is intended to represent the                   phase equipment, respectively, with a                    their in-service PUL, but that customer
     typical 4 PUL experienced by in-service                 one percent annual increase over the life                is limited to purchasing transformers
     distribution transformers. However,                     of the transformer to account for                        that comply with the energy
                                                             connected load growth. This resulted in                  conservation standard at the test PUL.
     some complications exist, including: (1)
                                                             a lifetime 6 average PUL of 49 and 56                    However, DOE estimated that
     A given customer may not operate the
                                                             percent for single- and three-phase                      approximately 10 percent of liquid-
     transformer at a single constant PUL,
                                                             liquid-immersed transformers,                            immersed, and 2 percent of LVDT and
     and (2) a transformer model may be
                                                             respectively.7 This is consistent with                   MVDT customers evaluate transformer
     used at different PULs by different
                                                             the current test procedure requirements                  efficiency when making a purchase,
     customers. To further examine the test
                                                             of rating liquid-immersed transformers                   indicating that the remainder of
     PUL specification, DOE reviewed the
                                                             at 50 percent PUL. In the April 2013 DT                  customers prioritize low price (and
     test PUL requirements in the current test
                                                             ECS final rule, DOE it had received                      ignore efficiency) when purchasing
     procedure and the load analysis from
                                                             public comment stating that utilities                    transformers of their required
     the April 2013 DT ECS final rule.
                                                             had oversized transformers due to their                  specification. 77 FR 7323.
        The current PUL specifications
                                                             inability to accurately monitor                             To the extent that transformer
     required for rating transformers are
                                                             transformer loading and due to their                     purchases are market-price driven, DOE
     specified in 10 CFR 431.196 and section
                                                             assumption that loading will increase in                 would expect that the lowest-cost
     3.5 of 10 CFR part 431, subpart K,
                                                             the future. In the case of liquid-                       transformer design would likely have an
     appendix A (hereafter ‘‘Appendix A’’).
                                                             immersed transformers, this may                          efficiency peak at or near the test PUL.
     The current test procedure in Appendix
     A requires that both liquid-immersed                       5 The details of this analysis are documented in
                                                                                                                      This low-cost transformer would
     transformers and medium-voltage, dry-                   the final rule Technical Support Document: Energy        experience reduced efficiency when
     type (‘‘MVDT’’) transformers are rated at               Efficiency Program for Consumer Products and
     50 percent PUL, and that low-voltage,                   Commercial and Industrial Equipment Distribution           8 The result of DOE’s transformer load analysis for

                                                             Transformers; chapter 7 and appendix 7A.                 low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers are
     dry-type (‘‘LVDT’’) transformers are                    (available at: https://www.regulations.gov/              contained in the Life-cycle Cost and Payback Period
     rated at 35 percent PUL. Specifically, in               document?D=EERE-2010-BT-STD-0048-0760).                  spreadsheet tools for DLs 6 through 8 on the
     section 3.5(a) of Appendix A, the test                     6 DOE estimated the average lifetime for              Forecast Cells tab. (available at: https://
     procedure requires that the reference                   distribution transformers to be 32 years. 78 FR          www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2011-BT-
                                                             23336, 23377.                                            STD-0051-0085).
     temperature at which winding                               7 The result of DOE’s transformer load analysis for     9 The result of DOE’s transformer load analysis for
     resistance is measured is 55 °C for                     medium-voltage liquid-immersed distribution              medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers
                                                             transformers are contained in the Life-cycle Cost        are contained in the Life-cycle Cost and Payback
        4 Industry commonly uses the root mean square        and Payback Period spreadsheet tools for design          Period spreadsheet tools for DL 9 through 13B on
     (‘‘RMS’’) PUL as an estimate of the ‘‘typical’’ or      lines (DL) 1 through 5 on the Forecast Cells tab.        the Forecast Cells tab. (available at: https://
     ‘‘average’’ PUL experienced by a transformer in         (available at: https://www.regulations.gov/              www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2010-BT-
     service.                                                document?D=EERE-2010-BT-STD-0048-0767).                  STD-0048-0764).



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     44350                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules

     operated at PULs other than the test                       Issue 3. transformers of a given                   distribution transformer in-service
     PUL for which it was likely optimized.                  category (e.g., specific kVA, phases,                 performance.
     If in-service PUL differs from test PUL,                application, etc.). Specifically,                       Issue 7. DOE seeks comments, data,
     equipment may be suboptimal for the                     commenters should specify whether the                 and information regarding how
     expected operating conditions. If                       distributional data they provide                      temperature varies with PUL, and how
     instead, the test procedure (via PUL                    represents the first year of service, or the          significantly it affects transformer
     specification) incentivized optimization                full lifetime.                                        performance over a PUL range.
     at the in-service PUL, increased in-                       Issue 4. DOE seeks comment, data and               Specifically, under the current internal
     service performance may be possible                     information regarding the load growth                 temperature correction methodology,
     with no increase in purchase price                      estimate over the life of distribution                DOE requests comment on how it could
     relative to transformers designed to                    transformers currently being installed.               specify the reference temperature for
     meet existing standards via the existing                Specifically, DOE seeks comment, data                 testing at PULs other than the current
     test procedure. DOE also recognizes that                and information on whether loads will                 test PUL.
     many transformer purchasers are                         increase over time, and if so, what the
     utilities that likely well understand                   annual load growth would be for liquid-               C. Efficiency Metric
     these relationships. As such, as                        immersed, LVDT, and MVDT                                 As noted, the current DOE test
     described above, factors other than                     transformers, respectively.                           procedure measures efficiency at a
     efficiency (such as requirements by                        Issue 5. DOE seeks comment, data and               single test PUL. Based on the data and
     Public Utility Commissions) are likely                  information regarding the extent to                   information received in response to this
     driving purchasing decisions. DOE                       which efficiency is taken into account                RFI, DOE may consider either
     understands there may be variation                      in transformer purchasing decisions.                  continuing to use the current single test
     between the PUL specified in the test                   2. Temperature Correction                             PUL requirements for rating distribution
     procedure and actual use and seeks                                                                            transformers, or revising the single test
     comment on how these factors should                        DOE’s current test procedure specifies
                                                             temperature correction of measured loss               PUL to an alternative single test PUL, if
     be considered given the sophisticated                                                                         it better reflects how distribution
     nature of transformer purchases.                        values, a process that calculates the
                                                             losses of a transformer as though its                 transformers operate in service.
        As discussed, in-service distribution                                                                      Alternatively, DOE may consider an
     transformers experience a wide range of                 internal temperature during testing was
                                                             equal to a ‘‘reference’’ temperature. The             alternative efficiency metric altogether,
     load conditions. In addition, based on                                                                        such as a multiple-PUL weighted-
     DOE’s initial analysis, distribution                    reference temperature provides a
                                                             common point of comparison, so that                   average efficiency metric. Use of a
     transformers may be operated at PULs                                                                          weighted-average efficiency metric
     different from those at which they are                  the effect of temperature on efficiency is
                                                             diminished. In general, higher internal               comprised of more than one test PUL
     rated. To evaluate in-service PUL                                                                             may better reflect how distribution
     further, DOE is seeking to understand                   temperature increases load losses, in
                                                             part due to increased resistivity of the              transformers operate in service because
     the relation between in-service PUL as
                                                             conductor/windings. If transformers in                a given distribution transformer
     compared to rated PUL. To that end,
                                                             service do not reach the same internal                commonly experiences a range of PULs
     DOE requests any related information or
                                                             temperature (under identical operating                in service depending on the end-use of
     data that commenters believe would
                                                             conditions, including ambient                         the customer. In addition, a given
     assist DOE in its understanding. This
                                                             temperature and PUL), temperature                     customer is unlikely to operate a
     information may include PUL data for
                                                             correction may weaken the ability of the              distribution transformer at a single,
     liquid-immersed, MVDT, and LVDT
                                                             test procedure to predict relative in-                constant PUL equal to the typical PUL.
     distribution transformers in operation,
                                                             service performance. For example, two                 Thus, a single test PUL may not fully
     including the kVA ranges, number of
                                                             otherwise-identical transformers may                  capture how distribution transformers
     phases (single- or three-phase) and
     application type associated with the                    have different inherent abilities to shed             operate in service.
     PUL data. In addition, DOE also                         heat. As a result, one may operate at a                  While a weighted-average efficiency
     requests data on the potential annual                   lower internal temperature under                      could result in additional test burden,
     load growth expected for newly                          identical operating conditions, and                   DOE understands that this metric may
     installed transformers. Finally, DOE                    produce lower losses. If a test procedure             more effectively characterize operation
     requests information on the extent to                   evaluates both units as though they had               in-service. In addition, the additional
     which the identified issue is taken into                reached the same internal temperature,                test burden could be mitigated via the
     account by utilities purchasing                         then those lower in-service losses                    AEDM for distribution transformers.
     transformers.                                           (which are an advantage to the                        This is because AEDMs would allow
        DOE is interested in PUL data                        customer) may not be reflected.                       manufacturers to determine the
     gathered from distribution transformers                    DOE is requesting comments, data,                  efficiency of one or more of its untested
     in operation, including information                     and information from interested parties               basic models using a mathematical
     from manufacturers, utilities, and                      on whether the current temperature                    model instead of testing.
     industry groups (e.g., the Institute of                 correction is appropriate or whether                     Issue 8. DOE seeks comments, data,
     Electrical and Electronics Engineers).                  alternative approaches should be                      and information on the continued use of
        Issue 1. DOE seeks comment, data,                    considered.                                           a single test PUL requirement. Further,
     and information regarding initial (first                   Issue 6. DOE seeks comments, data,                 if a single test PUL requirement is
     year of service) PUL data for                           and information regarding the                         maintained, DOE seeks comment on
     distribution transformers.                              appropriateness of the current test                   whether the existing single test PUL
        Issue 2. DOE requests input on the                   procedure requirements with respect to                requirements should be maintained or
     initial RMS PUL values presented in                     temperature correction. Specifically,                 whether alternate single test PUL
     section I.B of this RFI. More broadly,                  DOE requests comment on whether                       requirements may better match the
     DOE requests input on the distribution                  testing at specified ambient conditions               typical or RMS value in service. In
     of PUL values experienced by the                        or correcting to the same internal                    addition, DOE seeks comment on the
     population of                                           temperature is more representative of                 testing burden using an alternate single


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                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          44351

     test PUL as compared to the current test                requirements may be necessary under a                 (3) a manufacturer must use a sample of
     procedure.                                              multiple PUL test procedure.                          at least five units if more than five units
        Issue 9. DOE seeks comments, data,                      Issue 11. DOE seeks comments, data,                have been manufactured over a span of
     and information regarding testing a                     and information on whether there are                  six months (10 CFR 429.47(a)(2)(i)(B)),
     single transformer at multiple PULs.                    any other options or alternative metrics              or as many as have been produced if
     Specifically, DOE seeks comment on the                  not presented in this RFI that should be              five or fewer have been manufactured
     degree to which a multiple-PUL                          considered for measuring and rating the               over a span of six months (10 CFR
     weighted-average efficiency would more                  efficiency of distribution transformers.              429.47(a)(2)(i)(A)).
     accurately reflect distribution
                                                             D. Sampling, Representations, AEDMs                      Issue 12. DOE seeks comment
     transformer operation in service, as
                                                                The certification and compliance                   regarding the sampling requirements for
     compared to the current test procedure.
     In addition, DOE seeks comment on any                   requirements for distribution                         distribution transformers. Specifically,
     additional testing burden that might be                 transformers are codified under 10 CFR                DOE seeks information on how
     associated with testing at multiple                     429.11, 429.12, 429.47, 429.70, 429.110,              manufacturers have been applying the
     PULs.                                                   and in Appendix C to Subpart C of Part                sampling provisions. DOE also seeks
        Issue 10. DOE seeks comments, data,                  429. DOE’s sampling requirements are                  comments from manufacturers on
     and information regarding the number                    listed at 10 CFR 429.47. The sampling                 whether there are instances in which
     of PULs (and the corresponding test                     requirements, among other things, state               there are questions as to how to apply
     PUL values) that parties believe may be                 that, (1) the provisions of 10 CFR 429.11             the sampling requirements or select the
     appropriate for a multiple PUL test                     apply, (2) efficiency of a basic model                appropriate sample size.
     procedure. In addition, DOE seeks                       may be determined through testing or                     10 CFR 429.47(a)(2)(ii) states that any
     comments, data, and information                         through application of an AEDM under                  represented value of efficiency of a basic
     regarding what weightings or additional                 the requirements of 10 CFR 429.70, and                model must be less than or equal to:




     Where:                                                  covered products and equipment.                       test procedure that could be considered
     x̄ = the arithmetic mean of the sample units’           AEDM application to distribution                      to address impacts on manufacturers,
           tested efficiencies, and                          transformers is permitted pursuant to 10              including small businesses. Regarding
     n = number of units in the sample.                      CFR 429.47(a)(2) and may serve a                      the Federal test method, DOE seeks
        This provision permits representation                manufacturer who finds it burdensome                  comment on the degree to which the
     of a basic model efficiency greater than                to physically test units of each basic                DOE test procedure should consider and
     the arithmetic mean of the sample units’                model sold. However, DOE notes that                   be harmonized with the most recent
     tested efficiencies. The degree to which                currently, manufacturers frequently test              relevant industry standards for
     it may exceed the mean is a function of                 every basic model instead of calculating              distribution transformers and whether
     the sample size; smaller samples may                    efficiency using the AEDM provisions.                 there are any changes to the Federal test
     exceed the mean by a greater amount.                       Issue 15. DOE seeks information                    method that would provide additional
     As a result, manufacturers may                          regarding the usefulness of the AEDM                  benefits to the public. DOE also requests
     represent an efficiency for a basic model               provisions, and whether and why                       comment on the benefits and burdens of
     between the value of Equation 1 and the                 manufacturers select the option to use                adopting any industry/voluntary
     minimum efficiency requirements at 10                   AEDMs.                                                consensus-based or other appropriate
     CFR 431.196.                                                                                                  test procedure, without modification. As
                                                             E. Other Test Procedure Topics
        DOE notes that distribution                                                                                discussed, the Federal test method for
     transformer test reports do not always                     In addition to the issues identified               distribution transformers is based on the
     indicate how efficiency is calculated,                  earlier in this document, DOE welcomes                industry standard NEMA TP 2–1998.
     nor do they always provide information                  comment on any other aspect of the                    The Federal test method is also based on
     about the measured values.                              existing test procedures for distribution             IEEE C57.12.90–1999 ‘‘IEEE Standard
        Issue 13. DOE seeks comment                          transformers not already addressed by                 Test Code for Liquid-Immersed
     regarding the represented values of                     the specific areas identified in this                 Distribution, Power and Regulating
     efficiency relative to calculated values,               document. DOE particularly seeks                      Transformers and IEEE Guide for Short
     specifically, whether manufacturers                     information that would improve the                    Circuit Testing of Distribution and
     typically represent the minimum                         repeatability, reproducibility, and                   Power Transformers;’’ IEEE C57.12.91–
     efficiency standard, the maximum                        consumer representativeness of the test               2001, ‘‘IEEE Standard Test Code for Dry-
     represented efficiency (RE) allowable, or               procedures. DOE also requests                         Type Distribution and Power
     a different value; how manufacturers                    information that would help DOE create                Transformers;’’ IEEE C57.12.00–2000,
     determine what value to represent; and                  a procedure that would limit                          ‘‘IEEE Standard General Requirements
     why.                                                    manufacturer test burden through                      for Liquid-Immersed Distribution,
        Issue 14. DOE’s requirements related                 streamlining or simplifying testing                   Power and Regulating Transformers;’’
     to AEDMs are at 10 CFR 429.70. This                     requirements. Comments regarding the                  and IEEE C57.12.01–1998, ‘‘IEEE
     section specifies under which                           repeatability and reproducibility are                 Standard General Requirements for Dry-
     circumstances an AEDM may be                            also welcome.                                         Type Distribution and Power
     developed, validated, and applied to                       DOE also requests feedback on any                  Transformers Including those with Solid
                                                                                                                   Cast and/or Resin Encapsulated
                                                                                                                                                                 EP22SE17.002</GPH>




     product performance ratings for certain                 potential amendments to the existing


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     44352                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules

     Windings.’’ When establishing the                       comments, and any documents                           500 form letters per PDF or as one form
     Federal test procedure for distribution                 submitted with the comments.                          letter with a list of supporters’ names
     transformers, DOE determined that                          Do not submit to http://                           compiled into one or more PDFs. This
     basing the procedure on multiple                        www.regulations.gov information for                   reduces comment processing and
     industry standards, as opposed to                       which disclosure is restricted by statute,            posting time.
     adopting an industry test procedure (or                 such as trade secrets and commercial or                  Confidential Business Information.
     procedures) without modification, was                   financial information (hereinafter                    According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
     necessary to provide the detail and                     referred to as Confidential Business                  person submitting information that he
     accuracy required for the Federal test                  Information (‘‘CBI’’)). Comments                      or she believes to be confidential and
     procedure, with the additional benefit of               submitted through http://                             exempt by law from public disclosure
     providing manufacturers the Federal                     www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed                 should submit via email, postal mail, or
     test procedure in a single reference. 71                as CBI. Comments received through the                 hand delivery two well-marked copies:
     FR 24972, 24982.                                        Web site will waive any CBI claims for                one copy of the document marked
        Additionally, DOE requests comment                   the information submitted. For                        confidential including all the
     on whether the existing test procedures                 information on submitting CBI, see the                information believed to be confidential,
     limit a manufacturer’s ability to provide               Confidential Business Information                     and one copy of the document marked
     additional features to consumers on                     section below.                                        non-confidential with the information
     distribution transformers. DOE                             DOE processes submissions made                     believed to be confidential deleted.
     particularly seeks information on how                   through http://www.regulations.gov                    Submit these documents via email or on
     the test procedures could be amended to                 before posting. Normally, comments                    a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own
     reduce the cost of new or additional                    will be posted within a few days of                   determination about the confidential
     features and make it more likely that                   being submitted. However, if large                    status of the information and treat it
     such features are included on                           volumes of comments are being                         according to its determination.
     distribution transformers.                              processed simultaneously, your                           Factors of interest to DOE when
                                                             comment may not be viewable for up to                 evaluating requests to treat submitted
     III. Submission of Comments                             several weeks. Please keep the comment                information as confidential include (1) a
        DOE invites all interested parties to                tracking number that http://                          description of the items, (2) whether
     submit in writing by October 23, 2017,                  www.regulations.gov provides after you                and why such items are customarily
     comments, and information on matters                    have successfully uploaded your                       treated as confidential within the
     addressed in this notice and on other                   comment.                                              industry, (3) whether the information is
     matters relevant to DOE’s consideration                    Submitting comments via email, hand                generally known by or available from
     of amended test procedures for                          delivery, or mail. Comments and                       other sources, (4) whether the
     distribution transformers. These                        documents submitted via email, hand                   information has previously been made
     comments and information will aid in                    delivery, or mail also will be posted to              available to others without obligation
     the development of a test procedure                     http://www.regulations.gov. If you do                 concerning its confidentiality, (5) an
     NOPR for distribution transformers if                   not want your personal contact                        explanation of the competitive injury to
     DOE determines that amended test                        information to be publicly viewable, do               the submitting person which would
     procedures may be appropriate for these                 not include it in your comment or any                 result from public disclosure, (6) when
     products.                                               accompanying documents. Instead,                      such information might lose its
        Submitting comments via http://                      provide your contact information on a                 confidential character due to the
     regulations.gov. The http://                            cover letter. Include your first and last             passage of time, and (7) why disclosure
     www.regulations.gov Web page will                       names, email address, telephone                       of the information would be contrary to
     require you to provide your name and                    number, and optional mailing address.                 the public interest.
     contact information. Your contact                       The cover letter will not be publicly                    It is DOE’s policy that all comments
     information will be viewable to DOE                     viewable as long as it does not include               may be included in the public docket,
     Building Technologies staff only. Your                  any comments.                                         without change and as received,
     contact information will not be publicly                   Include contact information each time              including any personal information
     viewable except for your first and last                 you submit comments, data, documents,                 provided in the comments (except
     names, organization name (if any), and                  and other information to DOE. If you                  information deemed to be exempt from
     submitter representative name (if any).                 submit via mail or hand delivery, please              public disclosure).
     If your comment is not processed                        provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It               DOE considers public participation to
     properly because of technical                           is not necessary to submit printed                    be a very important part of the process
     difficulties, DOE will use this                         copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be                 for developing test procedures and
     information to contact you. If DOE                      accepted.                                             energy conservation standards. DOE
     cannot read your comment due to                            Comments, data, and other                          actively encourages the participation
     technical difficulties and cannot contact               information submitted to DOE                          and interaction of the public during the
     you for clarification, DOE may not be                   electronically should be provided in                  comment period in each stage of the
     able to consider your comment.                          PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or                    rulemaking process. Interactions with
        However, your contact information                    Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file              and between members of the public
     will be publicly viewable if you include                format. Provide documents that are not                provide a balanced discussion of the
     it in the comment or in any documents                   secured, written in English and free of               issues and assist DOE in the rulemaking
     attached to your comment. Any                           any defects or viruses. Documents                     process. Anyone who wishes to be
     information that you do not want to be                  should not contain special characters or              added to the DOE mailing list to receive
     publicly viewable should not be                         any form of encryption and, if possible,              future notices and information about
     included in your comment, nor in any                    they should carry the electronic                      this rulemaking should contact
     document attached to your comment.                      signature of the author.                              Appliance and Equipment Standards
     Persons viewing comments will see only                     Campaign form letters. Please submit               Program staff at (202) 287–6636
     first and last names, organization                      campaign form letters by the originating              or via email at ApplianceStandards
     names, correspondence containing                        organization in batches of between 50 to              Questions@ee.doe.gov.


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                           Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 183 / Friday, September 22, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          44353

       Issued in Washington, DC, on August 29,               p.m., Monday through Friday, except                   2017–07–02, Amendment 39–18840 (82
     2017.                                                   Federal holidays. The AD docket                       FR 15120, March 27, 2017) for Sikorsky
     Kathleen B. Hogan,                                      contains this proposed AD, the                        Model 269D and Model 269D
     Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy                   economic evaluation, any comments                     Configuration A helicopters with a
     Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable             received and other information. The                   KAflex engine side drive shaft part
     Energy.                                                 street address for the Docket Operations              number (P/N) SKCP2738–7 and KAflex
     [FR Doc. 2017–20225 Filed 9–21–17; 8:45 am]             Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in                 pulley side drive shaft P/N SKCP2738–
     BILLING CODE 6450–01–P                                  the ADDRESSES section. Comments will                  5 installed. AD 2017–07–02 requires
                                                             be available in the AD docket shortly                 reducing the life limit of the drive shafts
                                                             after receipt.                                        and performing several inspections of
     DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                               For service information identified in              the drive shafts within 25 hours time-in-
                                                             this proposed rule, contact Sikorsky                  service (TIS). AD 2017–07–02 also
     Federal Aviation Administration                         Aircraft Corporation, Customer Service                specifies replacing the drive shaft
                                                             Engineering, 124 Quarry Road,                         assemblies as an optional terminating
     14 CFR Part 39                                          Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–                  action for the requirements of the AD.
     [Docket No. FAA–2017–0896; Product                      Winged–S or 203–416–4299; email wcs_                  AD 2017–07–02 was prompted by four
     Identifier 2017–SW–034–AD]                              cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. You                 incidents involving failure of the engine
                                                             may review service information at the                 side drive shaft. The actions required by
     RIN 2120–AA64                                           FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,                  AD 2017–07–02 are intended to prevent
                                                             Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood                      failure of the drive shaft, loss of rotor
     Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
                                                             Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX                    drive, and subsequent loss of control of
     Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
                                                             76177.                                                the helicopter.
     AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         This NPRM would retain the
     Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety                      requirements of AD 2017–07–02 but
     ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                   Engineer, Boston ACO Branch,                          would require that some of the
     (NPRM).                                                 Compliance and Airworthiness                          inspections be repeated every 100 hours
                                                             Division, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,                  TIS or 400 hours TIS. Repeating these
     SUMMARY:    We propose to supersede                     Burlington, Massachusetts 01803;                      inspections is necessary to detect and
     airworthiness directive (AD) 2017–07–                   telephone (781) 238–7761; email                       prevent the unsafe condition. Because
     02 for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation                    michael.schwetz@faa.gov.                              these proposed requirements are for
     (Sikorsky) Model 269D and Model 269D                                                                          longer intervals, we are providing the
                                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
     Configuration A helicopters. AD 2017–                                                                         public an opportunity to comment.
     07–02 currently requires reducing the                   Comments Invited
     life limit of and inspecting certain drive                                                                    FAA’s Determination
                                                                We invite you to participate in this
     shafts. This proposed AD would retain                                                                           We are proposing this AD because we
                                                             rulemaking by submitting written
     the requirements of AD 2017–07–02 and                                                                         evaluated all the relevant information
                                                             comments, data, or views. We also
     propose repeating the inspections. The                                                                        and determined the unsafe condition
                                                             invite comments relating to the
     actions of this proposed AD are                                                                               described previously is likely to exist or
                                                             economic, environmental, energy, or
     intended to detect and prevent an                                                                             develop in other products of these same
                                                             federalism impacts that might result
     unsafe condition on these products.                                                                           type designs.
                                                             from adopting the proposals in this
     DATES: We must receive comments on                      document. The most helpful comments                   Related Service Information
     this proposed AD by November 21,                        reference a specific portion of the
     2017.                                                   proposal, explain the reason for any                     We reviewed Appendix B to Sikorsky
     ADDRESSES:   You may send comments by                   recommended change, and include                       S–330 Model 269D Helicopter Basic
     any of the following methods:                           supporting data. To ensure the docket                 Handbook of Maintenance Instructions
       • Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to                   does not contain duplicate comments,                  No. CSP–D–2, dated February 1, 1993,
     http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  commenters should send only one copy                  and revised October 15, 2014; and
     online instructions for sending your                    of written comments, or if comments are               Appendix B to Sikorsky S–333 Model
     comments electronically.                                filed electronically, commenters should               269D Config. ‘‘A’’ Helicopter Basic
       • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                  submit only one time.                                 Handbook of Maintenance Instructions
       • Mail: Send comments to the U.S.                        We will file in the docket all                     No. CSP–D–9, dated July 20, 2001, and
     Department of Transportation, Docket                    comments that we receive, as well as a                revised October 15, 2014. This service
     Operations, M–30, West Building                         report summarizing each substantive                   information specifies repetitive
     Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        public contact with FAA personnel                     inspection procedures, overhaul and
     New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                      concerning this proposed rulemaking.                  retirement schedules, and weight and
     DC 20590–0001.                                          Before acting on this proposal, we will               balance procedures. The Airworthiness
       • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the                       consider all comments we receive on or                Limitations section, which is included
     ‘‘Mail’’ address between 9 a.m. and 5                   before the closing date for comments.                 in this service information, contains the
     p.m., Monday through Friday, except                     We will consider comments filed after                 life limits for drive shaft assembly P/Ns
     Federal holidays.                                       the comment period has closed if it is                SKCP2738–5 and SKCP2738–7.
                                                             possible to do so without incurring                      We also reviewed Sikorsky 269D
     Examining the AD Docket                                                                                       Helicopter Alert Service Bulletin DB–
                                                             expense or delay. We may change this
       You may examine the AD docket on                      proposal in light of the comments we                  052, Basic Issue, dated January 16, 2014,
     the Internet at http://                                 receive.                                              which distributes the service life
     www.regulations.gov by searching for                                                                          reduction information and implements a
     and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–                       Discussion                                            new 1,200-hour overhaul inspection for
     0896; or in person at the Docket                          On March 20, 2017, we issued a Final                drive shaft assembly P/Ns SKCP2738–3,
     Operations Office between 9 a.m. and 5                  rule; request for comments to add AD                  SKCP2738–5, and SKCP2738–7.


VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:19 Sep 21, 2017   Jkt 241001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\22SEP1.SGM   22SEP1



Document Created: 2017-09-22 01:52:37
Document Modified: 2017-09-22 01:52:37
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionRequest for information (RFI).
DatesWritten comments and information are requested and will be accepted on or before October 23, 2017.
ContactMr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-5B 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9870. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 44347 
CFR Citation10 CFR 429
10 CFR 431

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