83_FR_24784 83 FR 24680 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp Fixtures

83 FR 24680 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp Fixtures

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 104 (May 30, 2018)

Page Range24680-24684
FR Document2018-11547

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a data collection process through this request for information to consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for metal halide lamp fixtures (MHLFs). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has gathered data and identified 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 updates to industry standards and potential clarifications to the existing test procedure for MHLFs. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document, including topics not directly outlined in this RFI. DOE also welcomes comments on any additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a potential future test procedure rulemaking, such as methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the procedure's accuracy.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24680-24684]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11547]


========================================================================
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. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 24680]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0053]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp 
Fixtures

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 request for information to consider 
whether to amend DOE's test procedure for metal halide lamp fixtures 
(MHLFs). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, 
DOE has gathered data and identified 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 
updates to industry standards and potential clarifications to the 
existing test procedure for MHLFs. DOE welcomes written comments from 
the public on any subject within the scope of this document, including 
topics not directly outlined in this RFI. DOE also welcomes comments on 
any additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a potential 
future test procedure rulemaking, such as methods to reduce regulatory 
burden while ensuring the procedure's accuracy.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before June 29, 2018.

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-0053, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket number EERE-
2017-BT-TP-0053 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 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 Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section 0 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. The 
docket web page will contain simple instructions on how to access all 
documents, including public comments, in the docket. See section 0 for 
information on how to submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-1604. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6111. 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) 287-1445 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 & Definitions
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Updates to Industry Standards
    2. Other Updates to the Federal Test Procedure
    C. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    MHLFs are included in the list of ``covered products'' for which 
DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation standards 
and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19)) DOE's test procedures for 
MHLFs are prescribed at 10 CFR 431.324. The following sections discuss 
DOE's authority to establish and amend test procedures for MHLFs, as 
well as relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration 
of test procedures for MHLFs.

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 efficiency of a 
number of consumer products and industrial equipment. Title III, Part B 
\2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth a variety

[[Page 24681]]

of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. These products 
include MHLFs, the subject of this RFI.\3\ (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19))
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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 reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
    \3\ Because of the inclusion of MHLFs in the list of covered 
products under 42 U.S.C. 6292, the rulemaking for MHLFs is bound by 
the requirements of Part A of Title III of EPCA. However, because 
MHLFs are generally considered commercial equipment, as a matter of 
administrative convenience and to minimize confusion among 
interested parties, DOE adopted MHLF provisions into subpart S of 10 
CFR part 431. 74 FR 12058, 12062 (March 23, 2009). Therefore, DOE 
will refer to MHLFs as ``equipment'' throughout this document. Where 
the notice refers to specific provisions in Part A of EPCA, the term 
``product'' is used. The location of provisions within the CFR does 
not affect either their substance or applicable procedure.
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    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. Relevant provisions of the Act include definitions (42 
U.S.C. 6291), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), test 
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), and 
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 
U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297) 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. 6297(d))
    The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for: (1) 
Certifying to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy 
conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, 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 comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered product, including MHLFs, 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 be reasonably designed to produce test 
results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated 
operating costs during a representative average use cycle or period of 
use. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary determines, on his own 
behalf or in response to a petition by any interested person, that a 
test procedure should be prescribed or amended, the Secretary shall 
promptly publish in the Federal Register proposed test procedures and 
afford interested persons an opportunity to present oral and written 
data, views, and arguments with respect to such procedures. The comment 
period on a proposed rule to amend a test procedure shall be at least 
60 days and may not exceed 270 days. In prescribing or amending a test 
procedure, the Secretary shall take into account such information as 
the Secretary determines relevant to such procedure, including 
technological developments relating to energy use or energy efficiency 
of the type (or class) of covered products involved. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(2)) If DOE determines that test procedure revisions are not 
appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not to amend the test 
procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information 
to inform its decision in satisfaction of the 7-year review requirement 
specified in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Rulemaking History

    In addition to the test procedure review provision discussed above, 
EPCA requires DOE to establish test procedures for metal halide lamp 
ballasts based on the industry standard ANSI C82.6-2005 ``Ballasts for 
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps--Method of Measurement.'' (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(18)) EPCA also requires that energy conservation standards and 
test procedures address standby mode and off mode energy use. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(gg)) On March 9, 2010, DOE published a final rule 
establishing active mode and standby mode test procedures for MHLFs 
based on measuring ballast efficiency in accordance with ANSI C82.6-
2005 (2010 MHLF TP final rule). 75 FR 10950. DOE determined that per 
EPCA's definition of ``off mode,'' it is not possible for MHLFs to meet 
off mode criteria because there is no condition in which the components 
of an MHLF are connected to the main power source and are not already 
in a mode accounted for in either active or standby mode. 75 FR 10954-
10955 (March 9, 2010).
    In a 2014 MHLF energy conservation standards final rule, DOE 
amended the test procedure to specify the input voltage at which a 
ballast is to be tested, and to require measuring and calculating 
ballast efficiency to three significant figures. 79 FR 7746, 7757-7759 
(February 10, 2014). DOE's current test procedure for MHLFs for active 
mode and standby mode operation appears at 10 CFR 431.324 (``Uniform 
test method for the measurement of energy efficiency and standby mode 
energy consumption of metal halide lamp ballasts''). Although MHLFs are 
the equipment at issue in this RFI, the test procedure requires 
measurement of metal halide ballast efficiency.

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 an amended test procedure for MHLFs 
may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is requesting comment on any 
opportunities to streamline and simplify testing requirements for 
MHLFs.
    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 (February 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 
testing MHLFs consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope & Definitions

    As stated previously, although MHLFs are the covered product, the 
Federal test procedure requires measurement of

[[Page 24682]]

metal halide ballast efficiency. EPCA and DOE define a MHLF as a light 
fixture for general lighting application designed to be operated with a 
metal halide lamp and a ballast for a metal halide lamp. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(64) and 10 CFR 431.322). Metal halide ballast is defined as a 
ballast used to start and operate metal halide lamps. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(62) and 10 CFR 431.322). DOE defines metal halide lamp as a high 
intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which the major portion of the light 
is produced by radiation of metal halides and their products of 
dissociation, possibly in combination with metallic vapors. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(63) and 10 CFR 431.322).

B. Test Procedure

    The current test procedure for MHLFs appears at 10 CFR 431.324. As 
noted previously, the test procedure for MHLFs incorporates by 
reference the 2005 version of ANSI C82.6 (ANSI C82.6-2005). ANSI C82.6 
outlines procedures for measuring the performance of low-frequency 
ballasts, including metal halide ballasts, designed to operate HID 
lamps. Testing requires the use of a reference lamp, which is to be 
operated by the ballast under test conditions until the ballast reaches 
operational stability. Ballast efficiency is then calculated as the 
measured ballast output power divided by the ballast input power.
    Issue A.1 DOE requests information on the availability of reference 
lamps.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
    In 2015, ANSI published a revised version of C82.6, ``Ballasts for 
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps--Methods of Measurement,'' (ANSI C82.6-
2015).\4\ DOE's initial review indicates that revisions mainly pertain 
to the addition of testing specifications particular to low-frequency 
electronic ballasts, including modifications to the alternative 
stabilization method, the addition of low-frequency square wave 
reference ballast characteristics, and further detail pertaining to 
ballast measurements.
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    \4\ Approved February 20, 2015.
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    Issue A.2 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference the updated industry standard ANSI C82.6-
2015 in the Federal test procedure. Specifically, DOE requests 
information on any potential differences in testing under the 2015 
version, as compared to the 2005 version currently incorporated by 
reference.
    DOE also has found that the industry standard referenced in its 
definition of ``ballast efficiency'' has been updated. Per DOE 
regulations, ``ballast efficiency,'' or the efficiency of a lamp and 
ballast combination, is the measured operating lamp wattage (i.e., 
output power) divided by the measured operating input wattage (i.e., 
input power), expressed as a percentage. 10 CFR 431.322. The input and 
output power of the ballast must be measured while the ballast is 
operating a reference lamp. The 2004 version of ANSI C78.43 (ANSI 
C78.43-2004) is incorporated by reference in DOE's regulations to 
describe the requirements for various fixture components used when 
measuring ballast efficiency.\5\ See 10 CFR 431.323. Specifically, the 
definition of ``ballast efficiency'' states that the lamp and capacitor 
(when provided) must constitute a nominal system in accordance with 
ANSI C78.43-2004. However, ANSI C78.43-2004 does not define the term 
``nominal system.'' ANSI C78.43-2004 does contain the physical and 
electrical requirements that single-ended metal halide lamps operated 
on 60 hertz (Hz) ballasts must meet to qualify as reference lamps. ANSI 
C78.43 was updated in 2013 (ANSI C78.43-2013) to incorporate datasheets 
for additional lamp types, which, if adopted, would provide 
characteristics to increase the number of potential reference lamps for 
testing.\6\
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    \5\ American National Standards Institute. American National 
Standard for electric lamps--Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. 
Approved May 5, 2004.
    \6\ American National Standards Institute. American National 
Standard for electric lamps--Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. 
Approved April 3, 2013.
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    Issue A.3 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference the updated industry standard ANSI C78.43-
2013 in the definition of ``ballast efficiency.'' DOE also requests 
comment on whether the term ``nominal system'' in the definition of 
``ballast efficiency'' requires further clarification.
2. Other Updates to the Federal Test Procedure
a. MHLFs Containing Ballasts That May Operate More Than One Lamp 
Wattage
    Based on a recent survey of the market, DOE identified metal halide 
lamp fixtures that contain ballasts that may be able to operate lamps 
of more than one wattage (e.g., a ballast that can operate a 70W lamp 
or a 100W lamp). The definition of basic model for MHLFs states that 
basic models are rated to operate a given lamp type and wattage. 10 CFR 
431.322. Thus, the current regulations indicate that such a model falls 
within multiple basic models. DOE is interested in information 
regarding how this equipment should be tested.
    Issue A.4 DOE requests information on the prevalence of metal 
halide ballasts capable of operating more than one lamp wattage and how 
this equipment should be tested.
b. Dimming Ballasts
    DOE established an active mode test method in the 2010 MHLF TP 
final rule, which incorporated relevant sections of ANSI C82.6-2005 to 
measure ballast efficiency as required by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(18)); 75 FR 10950 (March 9, 2010). DOE also clarified in the 
2010 MHLF TP final rule that active mode applies to a functioning 
ballast operating with any amount of system light output (i.e., greater 
than zero percent), and noted that if a ballast is dimmed (i.e., 
operating the light source at more than zero percent, but less than 100 
percent), the lamp and the ballast are both still in active mode. 75 FR 
10953 (March 9, 2010). DOE notes that in the case of dimming ballasts, 
where input power can vary, a specification regarding how to test these 
ballasts is necessary. Thus, DOE is interested in information on 
whether it is common industry practice to test dimming metal halide 
ballasts at 100 percent light output.
    Issue A.5 DOE requests comment on whether it is common industry 
practice to test metal halide dimming ballasts at 100 percent light 
output.
c. Standby Mode Test Method
    As required by EPCA, the 2010 MHLF TP final rule established a test 
method for measuring standby mode power. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)); 75 
FR 10959-10961 (March 9, 2010). DOE developed the standby mode test 
method for metal halide ballasts to be consistent with the industry 
standard International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62301: 2005, 
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power'' 
(first edition, June 2005), but also referenced language and 
methodologies presented in ANSI C82.6-2005. 75 FR 10951 (March 9, 
2010). As such, the 2010 MHLF TP final rule adopted test procedure 
provisions for measuring standby power that include the following 
steps: (1) A signal is sent to the ballast instructing it to reduce 
light output to zero percent; (2) the main input power to the ballast 
is measured; and (3) the power from the control signal path is measured 
in one of three ways, depending on how the signal from the control 
system is delivered to the ballast. 75 FR 10959-10960 (March 9, 2010). 
DOE is considering the implications of

[[Page 24683]]

incorporating by reference the most recent version of industry standard 
IEC 62301 (IEC 62301: 2011) ``Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power'' (second edition, January 2011) in an 
amended test method for measuring standby power.\7\ DOE notes that this 
change, if it were made, would be consistent with the requirements of 
EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)), as well as the standby mode test 
method for other lighting products.
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    \7\ Published January 27, 2011.
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    Issue A.6 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference IEC 62301: 2011 in its standby mode test 
method for MHLFs.
    Issue A.7 DOE requests comment on the availability of MHLFs that 
can operate in standby mode and, if they exist, their power consumption 
in standby mode.
d. High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts
    As discussed in section II.B.1, the current test procedure 
incorporates by reference ANSI C82.6-2005 for testing both electronic 
and magnetic metal halide ballasts. However, neither ANSI C82.6-2005 
nor the revised 2015 version provide a method specifically for testing 
high-frequency electronic (HFE) ballasts. A HFE metal halide ballast is 
defined by DOE as an electronic ballast that operates a lamp at an 
output frequency of 1000 Hz or greater. 10 CFR 431.322. In the 2013 
MHLF energy conservation standards notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE 
considered adopting procedures for testing HFE ballasts based on the 
instrumentation used for testing electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts. 
78 FR 51464, 51480-51481 (August 20, 2013). However, in the 2014 MHLF 
ECS final rule, DOE declined to amend the test procedure to include a 
procedure for HFE ballasts due to the lack of industry specifications 
for reference lamps to be paired with the ballasts during testing and 
the lack of a complete test method specific to HFE ballasts. 79 FR 7758 
(February 10, 2014).
    Subsequently, an ANSI standard for HFE metal halide ballasts titled 
ANSI C82.17-2017, ``High Frequency (HF) Electronic Ballasts for Metal 
Halide Lamps,'' (ANSI C82.17-2017) was recently published on August 11, 
2017.\8\ ANSI C82.17-2017 provides specifications for and operating 
characteristics of HFE metal halide ballasts with sinusoidal lamp 
operating current frequencies above 40 kilohertz (kHz). ANSI C82.17-
2017 also states in section 5.1 that ``all measurements necessary to 
determine compliance with the ballast performance requirements of this 
standard shall be made in accordance with ANSI C82.6.'' Thus, based on 
DOE's initial review of the newly published standard, DOE believes that 
ANSI C82.17-2017 could be used for ballast operating conditions for HFE 
ballasts and that ANSI C82.6-2015 could be used as the guide for 
measurement of HFE ballasts.
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    \8\ Approved May 18, 2017.
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    Issue A.8 DOE requests comment on the potential impact of 
incorporating by reference ANSI C82.17-2017 in the Federal test 
procedure. Specifically, DOE requests comment on whether newly 
published ANSI C82.17-2017 provides a repeatable and reproducible 
method when paired with ANSI C82.6-2015 for the testing of all HFE 
metal halide ballasts as defined by DOE.
    Issue A.9 DOE requests comment on whether manufacturers and 
laboratories test HFE metal halide ballasts using the same 
instrumentation as electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts.

C. 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 procedure for 
MHLFs not already addressed by the specific areas identified in this 
document. DOE particularly seeks information that would assist DOE in 
assuring that the test procedure accurately reflects the energy use of 
the products during a representative average use cycle, and information 
that would improve the repeatability and reproducibility of the test 
procedure. 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. DOE also seeks comment on 
the degree to which the Federal test procedure should consider and be 
harmonized with the most recent relevant industry standards for MHLFs, 
and whether there are any changes to the Federal test procedure 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. One topic for consideration, for 
example, is the specification of input voltage and stabilization 
criteria for ballasts of high intensity discharge lamps beyond what is 
required by ANSI C82.6. Another topic for consideration is the 
clarification of testing direction pertaining to the types of metal 
halide lamps to pair with metal halide ballasts under test, or control 
devices to be used, during standby mode testing beyond the requirements 
of IEC 62301: 2011. DOE requests comment on whether the addition of 
these types of requirements are worth the additional burden on 
manufacturers.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedure limits a manufacturer's ability to provide additional MHLF 
features to customers. DOE particularly seeks information on how the 
test procedure could be amended to reduce the cost of new or additional 
features, and make it more likely that such features are included in 
MHLFs.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing, by the 
date listed in the DATES section of this notice, comments and 
information on matters addressed in this notice and on other matters 
relevant to DOE's consideration of an amended test procedure for MHLFs. 
These comments and information will aid in the development of a test 
procedure NOPR for MHLFs if DOE determines that an amended test 
procedure may be appropriate for this equipment.
    Submitting comments via http://www.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

[[Page 24684]]

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 
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submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential 
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    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
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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 
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    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
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    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 this process. 
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced 
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who 
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices 
and information about this process should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2018.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2018-11547 Filed 5-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P



                                                  24680

                                                  Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                                Vol. 83, No. 104

                                                                                                                                                                Wednesday, May 30, 2018



                                                  This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                       1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://               Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S.
                                                  contains notices to the public of the proposed          www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       Department of Energy, Office of the
                                                  issuance of rules and regulations. The                  instructions for submitting comments.                 General Counsel, GC–33, 1000
                                                  purpose of these notices is to give interested             2. Email: to MHLF2017TP0053@                       Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
                                                  persons an opportunity to participate in the            ee.doe.gov. Include docket number                     DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–
                                                  rule making prior to the adoption of the final
                                                                                                          EERE–2017–BT–TP–0053 in the subject                   6111. Email: Jennifer.Tiedeman@
                                                  rules.
                                                                                                          line of the message.                                  Hq.Doe.Gov.
                                                                                                             3. Postal Mail: Appliance and                        For further information on how to
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY                                    Equipment Standards Program, U.S.                     submit a comment or review other
                                                                                                          Department of Energy, Building                        public comments and the docket,
                                                  10 CFR Part 431                                         Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B,                  contact the Appliance and Equipment
                                                                                                          1000 Independence Avenue SW,                          Standards Program staff at (202) 287–
                                                  [EERE–2017–BT–TP–0053]                                  Washington, DC 20585–0121.                            1445 or by email:
                                                                                                          Telephone: (202) 287–1445. If possible,               ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
                                                  Energy Conservation Program: Test                       please submit all items on a compact                  ee.doe.gov.
                                                  Procedure for Metal Halide Lamp                         disc (CD), in which case it is not                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  Fixtures                                                necessary to include printed copies.
                                                                                                             4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance                Table of Contents
                                                  AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and                 and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.                 I. Introduction
                                                  Renewable Energy, Department of                         Department of Energy, Building                           A. Authority and Background
                                                  Energy.                                                 Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza                  B. Rulemaking History
                                                  ACTION:   Request for information (RFI).                SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024.                  II. Request for Information
                                                                                                          Telephone: (202) 287–1445. If possible,                  A. Scope & Definitions
                                                                                                          please submit all items on a CD, in                      B. Test Procedure
                                                  SUMMARY:    The U.S. Department of                                                                               1. Updates to Industry Standards
                                                  Energy (DOE) is initiating a data                       which case it is not necessary to include
                                                                                                          printed copies.                                          2. Other Updates to the Federal Test
                                                  collection process through this request                                                                             Procedure
                                                  for information to consider whether to                     No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
                                                                                                                                                                   C. Other Test Procedure Topics
                                                  amend DOE’s test procedure for metal                    accepted. For detailed instructions on
                                                                                                                                                                III. Submission of Comments
                                                  halide lamp fixtures (MHLFs). To                        submitting comments and additional
                                                                                                          information on this process, see section              I. Introduction
                                                  inform interested parties and to
                                                  facilitate this process, DOE has gathered               0 of this document.                                      MHLFs are included in the list of
                                                                                                             Docket: The docket for this activity,              ‘‘covered products’’ for which DOE is
                                                  data and identified several issues
                                                                                                          which includes Federal Register                       authorized to establish and amend
                                                  associated with the currently applicable
                                                                                                          notices, comments, and other                          energy conservation standards and test
                                                  test procedure on which DOE is
                                                                                                          supporting documents/materials, is                    procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19))
                                                  interested in receiving comment. The
                                                                                                          available for review at http://                       DOE’s test procedures for MHLFs are
                                                  issues outlined in this document mainly
                                                                                                          www.regulations.gov. All documents in                 prescribed at 10 CFR 431.324. The
                                                  concern updates to industry standards
                                                                                                          the docket are listed in the http://                  following sections discuss DOE’s
                                                  and potential clarifications to the
                                                                                                          www.regulations.gov index. However,                   authority to establish and amend test
                                                  existing test procedure for MHLFs. DOE
                                                                                                          some documents listed in the index,                   procedures for MHLFs, as well as
                                                  welcomes written comments from the
                                                                                                          such as those containing information                  relevant background information
                                                  public on any subject within the scope
                                                                                                          that is exempt from public disclosure,                regarding DOE’s consideration of test
                                                  of this document, including topics not
                                                                                                          may not be publicly available.                        procedures for MHLFs.
                                                  directly outlined in this RFI. DOE also                    The docket web page can be found at
                                                  welcomes comments on any additional                     http://www.regulations.gov. The docket                A. Authority and Background
                                                  topics that may inform DOE’s decisions                  web page will contain simple
                                                  in a potential future test procedure                                                                             The Energy Policy and Conservation
                                                                                                          instructions on how to access all                     Act of 1975 (‘‘EPCA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’),1
                                                  rulemaking, such as methods to reduce                   documents, including public comments,
                                                  regulatory burden while ensuring the                                                                          Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
                                                                                                          in the docket. See section 0 for                      6317, as codified), among other things,
                                                  procedure’s accuracy.                                   information on how to submit                          authorizes DOE to regulate the energy
                                                  DATES: Written comments and                             comments through http://                              efficiency of a number of consumer
                                                  information are requested and will be                   www.regulations.gov.                                  products and industrial equipment.
                                                  accepted on or before June 29, 2018.                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:    Ms.               Title III, Part B 2 of EPCA established the
                                                  ADDRESSES:   Interested persons are                     Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of                      Energy Conservation Program for
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  encouraged to submit comments using                     Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and               Consumer Products Other Than
                                                  the Federal eRulemaking Portal at                       Renewable Energy, Building                            Automobiles, which sets forth a variety
                                                  http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000
                                                  instructions for submitting comments.                   Independence Avenue SW, Washington,                     1 All references to EPCA in this document refer

                                                  Alternatively, interested persons may                   DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–                  to the statute as amended through the Energy
                                                                                                                                                                Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 (EEIA 2015),
                                                  submit comments, identified by docket                   1604. Email:                                          Public Law 114–11 (April 30, 2015).
                                                  number EERE–2017–BT–TP–0053, by                         ApplianceStandardsQuestions@                            2 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the

                                                  any of the following methods:                           ee.doe.gov.                                           U.S. Code, Part B was redesignated Part A.



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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             24681

                                                  of provisions designed to improve                       average use cycle or period of use and                published a final rule establishing active
                                                  energy efficiency. These products                       not be unduly burdensome to conduct.                  mode and standby mode test procedures
                                                  include MHLFs, the subject of this RFI.3                (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))                                for MHLFs based on measuring ballast
                                                  (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(19))                                    In addition, if DOE determines that a              efficiency in accordance with ANSI
                                                    Under EPCA, DOE’s energy                              test procedure amendment is warranted,                C82.6–2005 (2010 MHLF TP final rule).
                                                  conservation program consists                           it must publish proposed test                         75 FR 10950. DOE determined that per
                                                  essentially of four parts: (1) Testing, (2)             procedures and offer the public an                    EPCA’s definition of ‘‘off mode,’’ it is
                                                  labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation               opportunity to present oral and written               not possible for MHLFs to meet off
                                                  standards, and (4) certification and                    comments on them. (42 U.S.C.                          mode criteria because there is no
                                                  enforcement procedures. Relevant                        6293(b)(2))                                           condition in which the components of
                                                  provisions of the Act include definitions                  EPCA also requires that, at least once             an MHLF are connected to the main
                                                  (42 U.S.C. 6291), energy conservation                   every 7 years, DOE evaluate test                      power source and are not already in a
                                                  standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), test                        procedures for each type of covered                   mode accounted for in either active or
                                                  procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling                   product, including MHLFs, to determine                standby mode. 75 FR 10954–10955
                                                  provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), and the                    whether amended test procedures                       (March 9, 2010).
                                                  authority to require information and                    would more accurately or fully comply                    In a 2014 MHLF energy conservation
                                                  reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C.                   with the requirements for the test                    standards final rule, DOE amended the
                                                  6296).                                                  procedures to not be unduly                           test procedure to specify the input
                                                    Federal energy efficiency                             burdensome to conduct and be                          voltage at which a ballast is to be tested,
                                                  requirements for covered products                       reasonably designed to produce test                   and to require measuring and
                                                  established under EPCA generally                        results that reflect energy efficiency,               calculating ballast efficiency to three
                                                  supersede State laws and regulations                    energy use, and estimated operating                   significant figures. 79 FR 7746, 7757–
                                                  concerning energy conservation testing,                 costs during a representative average                 7759 (February 10, 2014). DOE’s current
                                                  labeling, and standards. (42 U.S.C. 6297)               use cycle or period of use. (42 U.S.C.                test procedure for MHLFs for active
                                                  DOE may, however, grant waivers of                      6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary                       mode and standby mode operation
                                                  Federal preemption for particular State                 determines, on his own behalf or in                   appears at 10 CFR 431.324 (‘‘Uniform
                                                  laws or regulations, in accordance with                 response to a petition by any interested              test method for the measurement of
                                                  the procedures and other provisions of                  person, that a test procedure should be               energy efficiency and standby mode
                                                  EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))                               prescribed or amended, the Secretary                  energy consumption of metal halide
                                                    The Federal testing requirements                      shall promptly publish in the Federal                 lamp ballasts’’). Although MHLFs are
                                                  consist of test procedures that                         Register proposed test procedures and                 the equipment at issue in this RFI, the
                                                  manufacturers of covered products must                  afford interested persons an opportunity              test procedure requires measurement of
                                                  use as the basis for: (1) Certifying to                 to present oral and written data, views,              metal halide ballast efficiency.
                                                  DOE that their products comply with                     and arguments with respect to such
                                                  the applicable energy conservation                      procedures. The comment period on a                   II. Request for Information
                                                  standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42                  proposed rule to amend a test procedure                  In the following sections, DOE has
                                                  U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making                         shall be at least 60 days and may not                 identified a variety of issues on which
                                                  representations about the efficiency of                 exceed 270 days. In prescribing or                    it seeks input to aid in the development
                                                  those consumer products (42 U.S.C.                      amending a test procedure, the                        of the technical and economic analyses
                                                  6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these                 Secretary shall take into account such                regarding whether an amended test
                                                  test procedures to determine whether                    information as the Secretary determines               procedure for MHLFs may be warranted.
                                                  the products comply with relevant                       relevant to such procedure, including                 Specifically, DOE is requesting
                                                  standards promulgated under EPCA. (42                   technological developments relating to                comment on any opportunities to
                                                  U.S.C. 6295(s))                                         energy use or energy efficiency of the                streamline and simplify testing
                                                    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth                 type (or class) of covered products                   requirements for MHLFs.
                                                  the criteria and procedures DOE must                    involved. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) If DOE                  Additionally, DOE welcomes
                                                  follow when prescribing or amending                     determines that test procedure revisions              comments on other issues relevant to
                                                  test procedures for covered products.                   are not appropriate, DOE must publish                 the conduct of this process that may not
                                                  EPCA requires that any test procedures                  its determination not to amend the test               specifically be identified in this
                                                  prescribed or amended under this                        procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI                document. In particular, DOE notes that
                                                  section be reasonably designed to                       to collect data and information to                    under Executive Order 13771,
                                                  produce test results which measure                      inform its decision in satisfaction of the            ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling
                                                  energy efficiency, energy use or                        7-year review requirement specified in                Regulatory Costs,’’ Executive Branch
                                                  estimated annual operating cost of a                    EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))                       agencies such as DOE are directed to
                                                  covered product during a representative                                                                       manage the costs associated with the
                                                                                                          B. Rulemaking History
                                                                                                                                                                imposition of expenditures required to
                                                    3 Because   of the inclusion of MHLFs in the list       In addition to the test procedure                   comply with Federal regulations. See 82
                                                  of covered products under 42 U.S.C. 6292, the           review provision discussed above,
                                                  rulemaking for MHLFs is bound by the
                                                                                                                                                                FR 9339 (February 3, 2017). Pursuant to
                                                  requirements of Part A of Title III of EPCA.
                                                                                                          EPCA requires DOE to establish test                   that Executive Order, DOE encourages
                                                  However, because MHLFs are generally considered         procedures for metal halide lamp                      the public to provide input on measures
                                                  commercial equipment, as a matter of                    ballasts based on the industry standard
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                                                                                                                                                                DOE could take to lower the cost of its
                                                  administrative convenience and to minimize              ANSI C82.6–2005 ‘‘Ballasts for High-
                                                  confusion among interested parties, DOE adopted
                                                                                                                                                                regulations applicable to testing MHLFs
                                                  MHLF provisions into subpart S of 10 CFR part 431.
                                                                                                          Intensity Discharge Lamps—Method of                   consistent with the requirements of
                                                  74 FR 12058, 12062 (March 23, 2009). Therefore,         Measurement.’’ (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(18))                EPCA.
                                                  DOE will refer to MHLFs as ‘‘equipment’’                EPCA also requires that energy
                                                  throughout this document. Where the notice refers       conservation standards and test                       A. Scope & Definitions
                                                  to specific provisions in Part A of EPCA, the term
                                                  ‘‘product’’ is used. The location of provisions
                                                                                                          procedures address standby mode and                     As stated previously, although MHLFs
                                                  within the CFR does not affect either their             off mode energy use. (42 U.S.C.                       are the covered product, the Federal test
                                                  substance or applicable procedure.                      6295(gg)) On March 9, 2010, DOE                       procedure requires measurement of


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                                                  24682                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  metal halide ballast efficiency. EPCA                   Per DOE regulations, ‘‘ballast                        information regarding how this
                                                  and DOE define a MHLF as a light                        efficiency,’’ or the efficiency of a lamp             equipment should be tested.
                                                  fixture for general lighting application                and ballast combination, is the                         Issue A.4 DOE requests information
                                                  designed to be operated with a metal                    measured operating lamp wattage (i.e.,                on the prevalence of metal halide
                                                  halide lamp and a ballast for a metal                   output power) divided by the measured                 ballasts capable of operating more than
                                                  halide lamp. (42 U.S.C. 6291(64) and 10                 operating input wattage (i.e., input                  one lamp wattage and how this
                                                  CFR 431.322). Metal halide ballast is                   power), expressed as a percentage. 10                 equipment should be tested.
                                                  defined as a ballast used to start and                  CFR 431.322. The input and output                     b. Dimming Ballasts
                                                  operate metal halide lamps. (42 U.S.C.                  power of the ballast must be measured
                                                  6291(62) and 10 CFR 431.322). DOE                       while the ballast is operating a reference               DOE established an active mode test
                                                  defines metal halide lamp as a high                     lamp. The 2004 version of ANSI C78.43                 method in the 2010 MHLF TP final rule,
                                                  intensity discharge (HID) lamp in which                 (ANSI C78.43–2004) is incorporated by                 which incorporated relevant sections of
                                                  the major portion of the light is                       reference in DOE’s regulations to                     ANSI C82.6–2005 to measure ballast
                                                  produced by radiation of metal halides                  describe the requirements for various                 efficiency as required by EPCA. (42
                                                  and their products of dissociation,                     fixture components used when                          U.S.C. 6293(b)(18)); 75 FR 10950 (March
                                                  possibly in combination with metallic                   measuring ballast efficiency.5 See 10                 9, 2010). DOE also clarified in the 2010
                                                  vapors. (42 U.S.C. 6291(63) and 10 CFR                  CFR 431.323. Specifically, the definition             MHLF TP final rule that active mode
                                                  431.322).                                               of ‘‘ballast efficiency’’ states that the             applies to a functioning ballast
                                                                                                          lamp and capacitor (when provided)                    operating with any amount of system
                                                  B. Test Procedure                                                                                             light output (i.e., greater than zero
                                                                                                          must constitute a nominal system in
                                                     The current test procedure for MHLFs                 accordance with ANSI C78.43–2004.                     percent), and noted that if a ballast is
                                                  appears at 10 CFR 431.324. As noted                                                                           dimmed (i.e., operating the light source
                                                                                                          However, ANSI C78.43–2004 does not
                                                  previously, the test procedure for                                                                            at more than zero percent, but less than
                                                                                                          define the term ‘‘nominal system.’’
                                                  MHLFs incorporates by reference the                                                                           100 percent), the lamp and the ballast
                                                                                                          ANSI C78.43–2004 does contain the
                                                  2005 version of ANSI C82.6 (ANSI                                                                              are both still in active mode. 75 FR
                                                                                                          physical and electrical requirements
                                                  C82.6–2005). ANSI C82.6 outlines                                                                              10953 (March 9, 2010). DOE notes that
                                                                                                          that single-ended metal halide lamps
                                                  procedures for measuring the                                                                                  in the case of dimming ballasts, where
                                                                                                          operated on 60 hertz (Hz) ballasts must
                                                  performance of low-frequency ballasts,                                                                        input power can vary, a specification
                                                                                                          meet to qualify as reference lamps.
                                                  including metal halide ballasts,                                                                              regarding how to test these ballasts is
                                                                                                          ANSI C78.43 was updated in 2013
                                                  designed to operate HID lamps. Testing                                                                        necessary. Thus, DOE is interested in
                                                                                                          (ANSI C78.43–2013) to incorporate
                                                  requires the use of a reference lamp,                                                                         information on whether it is common
                                                                                                          datasheets for additional lamp types,
                                                  which is to be operated by the ballast                                                                        industry practice to test dimming metal
                                                                                                          which, if adopted, would provide
                                                  under test conditions until the ballast                                                                       halide ballasts at 100 percent light
                                                                                                          characteristics to increase the number of
                                                  reaches operational stability. Ballast                                                                        output.
                                                                                                          potential reference lamps for testing.6                  Issue A.5 DOE requests comment on
                                                  efficiency is then calculated as the                       Issue A.3 DOE requests comment on
                                                  measured ballast output power divided                                                                         whether it is common industry practice
                                                                                                          the potential impact of incorporating by              to test metal halide dimming ballasts at
                                                  by the ballast input power.                             reference the updated industry standard
                                                     Issue A.1 DOE requests information                                                                         100 percent light output.
                                                                                                          ANSI C78.43–2013 in the definition of
                                                  on the availability of reference lamps.                 ‘‘ballast efficiency.’’ DOE also requests             c. Standby Mode Test Method
                                                  1. Updates to Industry Standards                        comment on whether the term ‘‘nominal                    As required by EPCA, the 2010 MHLF
                                                     In 2015, ANSI published a revised                    system’’ in the definition of ‘‘ballast               TP final rule established a test method
                                                  version of C82.6, ‘‘Ballasts for High-                  efficiency’’ requires further clarification.          for measuring standby mode power. (42
                                                  Intensity Discharge Lamps—Methods of                    2. Other Updates to the Federal Test                  U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)); 75 FR 10959–
                                                  Measurement,’’ (ANSI C82.6–2015).4                      Procedure                                             10961 (March 9, 2010). DOE developed
                                                  DOE’s initial review indicates that                                                                           the standby mode test method for metal
                                                                                                          a. MHLFs Containing Ballasts That May                 halide ballasts to be consistent with the
                                                  revisions mainly pertain to the addition
                                                                                                          Operate More Than One Lamp Wattage                    industry standard International
                                                  of testing specifications particular to
                                                  low-frequency electronic ballasts,                        Based on a recent survey of the                     Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
                                                  including modifications to the                          market, DOE identified metal halide                   62301: 2005, ‘‘Household electrical
                                                  alternative stabilization method, the                   lamp fixtures that contain ballasts that              appliances—Measurement of standby
                                                  addition of low-frequency square wave                   may be able to operate lamps of more                  power’’ (first edition, June 2005), but
                                                  reference ballast characteristics, and                  than one wattage (e.g., a ballast that can            also referenced language and
                                                  further detail pertaining to ballast                    operate a 70W lamp or a 100W lamp).                   methodologies presented in ANSI
                                                  measurements.                                           The definition of basic model for                     C82.6–2005. 75 FR 10951 (March 9,
                                                     Issue A.2 DOE requests comment on                    MHLFs states that basic models are                    2010). As such, the 2010 MHLF TP final
                                                  the potential impact of incorporating by                rated to operate a given lamp type and                rule adopted test procedure provisions
                                                  reference the updated industry standard                 wattage. 10 CFR 431.322. Thus, the                    for measuring standby power that
                                                  ANSI C82.6–2015 in the Federal test                     current regulations indicate that such a              include the following steps: (1) A signal
                                                  procedure. Specifically, DOE requests                   model falls within multiple basic                     is sent to the ballast instructing it to
                                                  information on any potential differences                                                                      reduce light output to zero percent; (2)
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                                                                                                          models. DOE is interested in
                                                  in testing under the 2015 version, as                                                                         the main input power to the ballast is
                                                  compared to the 2005 version currently                     5 American National Standards Institute.           measured; and (3) the power from the
                                                  incorporated by reference.                              American National Standard for electric lamps—        control signal path is measured in one
                                                     DOE also has found that the industry                 Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. Approved May         of three ways, depending on how the
                                                                                                          5, 2004.                                              signal from the control system is
                                                  standard referenced in its definition of                   6 American National Standards Institute.
                                                  ‘‘ballast efficiency’’ has been updated.                American National Standard for electric lamps—
                                                                                                                                                                delivered to the ballast. 75 FR 10959–
                                                                                                          Single-Ended Metal Halide Lamps. Approved April       10960 (March 9, 2010). DOE is
                                                    4 Approved   February 20, 2015.                       3, 2013.                                              considering the implications of


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             24683

                                                  incorporating by reference the most                       necessary to determine compliance with                stabilization criteria for ballasts of high
                                                  recent version of industry standard IEC                   the ballast performance requirements of               intensity discharge lamps beyond what
                                                  62301 (IEC 62301: 2011) ‘‘Household                       this standard shall be made in                        is required by ANSI C82.6. Another
                                                  electrical appliances—Measurement of                      accordance with ANSI C82.6.’’ Thus,                   topic for consideration is the
                                                  standby power’’ (second edition,                          based on DOE’s initial review of the                  clarification of testing direction
                                                  January 2011) in an amended test                          newly published standard, DOE believes                pertaining to the types of metal halide
                                                  method for measuring standby power.7                      that ANSI C82.17–2017 could be used                   lamps to pair with metal halide ballasts
                                                  DOE notes that this change, if it were                    for ballast operating conditions for HFE              under test, or control devices to be used,
                                                  made, would be consistent with the                        ballasts and that ANSI C82.6–2015                     during standby mode testing beyond the
                                                  requirements of EPCA (42 U.S.C.                           could be used as the guide for                        requirements of IEC 62301: 2011. DOE
                                                  6295(gg)(2)(A)), as well as the standby                   measurement of HFE ballasts.                          requests comment on whether the
                                                  mode test method for other lighting                          Issue A.8 DOE requests comment on                  addition of these types of requirements
                                                  products.                                                 the potential impact of incorporating by              are worth the additional burden on
                                                    Issue A.6 DOE requests comment on                       reference ANSI C82.17–2017 in the                     manufacturers.
                                                  the potential impact of incorporating by                  Federal test procedure. Specifically,                    Additionally, DOE requests comment
                                                  reference IEC 62301: 2011 in its standby                  DOE requests comment on whether                       on whether the existing test procedure
                                                  mode test method for MHLFs.                               newly published ANSI C82.17–2017                      limits a manufacturer’s ability to
                                                    Issue A.7 DOE requests comment on                       provides a repeatable and reproducible                provide additional MHLF features to
                                                  the availability of MHLFs that can                        method when paired with ANSI C82.6–                   customers. DOE particularly seeks
                                                  operate in standby mode and, if they                      2015 for the testing of all HFE metal                 information on how the test procedure
                                                  exist, their power consumption in                         halide ballasts as defined by DOE.                    could be amended to reduce the cost of
                                                  standby mode.                                                Issue A.9 DOE requests comment on                  new or additional features, and make it
                                                                                                            whether manufacturers and laboratories                more likely that such features are
                                                  d. High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts
                                                                                                            test HFE metal halide ballasts using the              included in MHLFs.
                                                     As discussed in section II.B.1, the                    same instrumentation as electronic
                                                  current test procedure incorporates by                    fluorescent lamp ballasts.                            III. Submission of Comments
                                                  reference ANSI C82.6–2005 for testing                                                                              DOE invites all interested parties to
                                                  both electronic and magnetic metal                        C. Other Test Procedure Topics                        submit in writing, by the date listed in
                                                  halide ballasts. However, neither ANSI                       In addition to the issues identified               the DATES section of this notice,
                                                  C82.6–2005 nor the revised 2015                           earlier in this document, DOE welcomes                comments and information on matters
                                                  version provide a method specifically                     comment on any other aspect of the                    addressed in this notice and on other
                                                  for testing high-frequency electronic                     existing test procedure for MHLFs not                 matters relevant to DOE’s consideration
                                                  (HFE) ballasts. A HFE metal halide                        already addressed by the specific areas               of an amended test procedure for
                                                  ballast is defined by DOE as an                           identified in this document. DOE                      MHLFs. These comments and
                                                  electronic ballast that operates a lamp at                particularly seeks information that                   information will aid in the development
                                                  an output frequency of 1000 Hz or                         would assist DOE in assuring that the                 of a test procedure NOPR for MHLFs if
                                                  greater. 10 CFR 431.322. In the 2013                      test procedure accurately reflects the                DOE determines that an amended test
                                                  MHLF energy conservation standards                        energy use of the products during a                   procedure may be appropriate for this
                                                  notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE                        representative average use cycle, and                 equipment.
                                                  considered adopting procedures for                        information that would improve the                       Submitting comments via http://
                                                  testing HFE ballasts based on the                         repeatability and reproducibility of the              www.regulations.gov. The http://
                                                  instrumentation used for testing                          test procedure. DOE also requests                     www.regulations.gov web page will
                                                  electronic fluorescent lamp ballasts. 78                  information that would help DOE create                require you to provide your name and
                                                  FR 51464, 51480–51481 (August 20,                         a procedure that would limit                          contact information. Your contact
                                                  2013). However, in the 2014 MHLF ECS                      manufacturer test burden through                      information will be viewable to DOE
                                                  final rule, DOE declined to amend the                     streamlining or simplifying testing                   Building Technologies staff only. Your
                                                  test procedure to include a procedure                     requirements. Comments regarding the                  contact information will not be publicly
                                                  for HFE ballasts due to the lack of                       repeatability and reproducibility are                 viewable except for your first and last
                                                  industry specifications for reference                     also welcome.                                         names, organization name (if any), and
                                                  lamps to be paired with the ballasts                         DOE also requests feedback on any                  submitter representative name (if any).
                                                  during testing and the lack of a                          potential amendments to the existing                  If your comment is not processed
                                                  complete test method specific to HFE                      test procedure that could be considered               properly because of technical
                                                  ballasts. 79 FR 7758 (February 10, 2014).                 to address impacts on manufacturers,                  difficulties, DOE will use this
                                                     Subsequently, an ANSI standard for                     including small businesses. DOE also                  information to contact you. If DOE
                                                  HFE metal halide ballasts titled ANSI                     seeks comment on the degree to which                  cannot read your comment due to
                                                  C82.17–2017, ‘‘High Frequency (HF)                        the Federal test procedure should                     technical difficulties and cannot contact
                                                  Electronic Ballasts for Metal Halide                      consider and be harmonized with the                   you for clarification, DOE may not be
                                                  Lamps,’’ (ANSI C82.17–2017) was                           most recent relevant industry standards               able to consider your comment.
                                                  recently published on August 11, 2017.8                   for MHLFs, and whether there are any                     However, your contact information
                                                  ANSI C82.17–2017 provides                                 changes to the Federal test procedure                 will be publicly viewable if you include
                                                  specifications for and operating                          that would provide additional benefits                it in the comment or in any documents
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                                                  characteristics of HFE metal halide                       to the public.                                        attached to your comment. Any
                                                  ballasts with sinusoidal lamp operating                      DOE also requests comment on the                   information that you do not want to be
                                                  current frequencies above 40 kilohertz                    benefits and burdens of adopting any                  publicly viewable should not be
                                                  (kHz). ANSI C82.17–2017 also states in                    industry/voluntary consensus-based or                 included in your comment, nor in any
                                                  section 5.1 that ‘‘all measurements                       other appropriate test procedure,                     document attached to your comment.
                                                                                                            without modification. One topic for                   Persons viewing comments will see only
                                                    7 Published   January 27, 2011.                         consideration, for example, is the                    first and last names, organization
                                                    8 Approved    May 18, 2017.                             specification of input voltage and                    names, correspondence containing


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                                                  24684                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  comments, and any documents                             500 form letters per PDF or as one form                 Issued in Washington, DC, on May 17,
                                                  submitted with the comments.                            letter with a list of supporters’ names               2018.
                                                     Do not submit to http://                             compiled into one or more PDFs. This                  Kathleen B. Hogan,
                                                  www.regulations.gov information for                     reduces comment processing and                        Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
                                                  which disclosure is restricted by statute,              posting time.                                         Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
                                                  such as trade secrets and commercial or                    Confidential Business Information.                 Energy.
                                                  financial information (hereinafter                      According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any                      [FR Doc. 2018–11547 Filed 5–29–18; 8:45 am]
                                                  referred to as Confidential Business                    person submitting information that he                 BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
                                                  Information (CBI)). Comments                            or she believes to be confidential and
                                                  submitted through http://                               exempt by law from public disclosure
                                                  www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed                   should submit via email, postal mail, or              SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
                                                  as CBI. Comments received through the                   hand delivery two well-marked copies:
                                                  website will waive any CBI claims for                   One copy of the document marked                       13 CFR Parts 124 and 126
                                                  the information submitted. For                          confidential including all the                        RIN 3245–AG38; 3245–AG94
                                                  information on submitting CBI, see the                  information believed to be confidential,
                                                  Confidential Business Information                       and one copy of the document marked                   Tribal Consultation for Small Business
                                                  section.                                                ‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information             HUBZone Program and Government
                                                     DOE processes submissions made                       believed to be confidential deleted.                  Contracting Programs and
                                                  through http://www.regulations.gov                      Submit these documents via email or on                Consolidation of Mentor Protégé
                                                  before posting. Normally, comments                      a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own              Programs and Other Government
                                                  will be posted within a few days of                     determination about the confidential                  Contracting Amendments
                                                  being submitted. However, if large                      status of the information and treat it
                                                  volumes of comments are being                           according to its determination.                       AGENCY: U.S. Small Business
                                                  processed simultaneously, your                             Factors of interest to DOE when                    Administration.
                                                  comment may not be viewable for up to                   evaluating requests to treat submitted                ACTION: Notification of tribal
                                                  several weeks. Please keep the comment                  information as confidential include (1) a             consultation meetings.
                                                  tracking number that http://                            description of the items, (2) whether
                                                  www.regulations.gov provides after you                  and why such items are customarily                    SUMMARY:    The U.S. Small Business
                                                  have successfully uploaded your                         treated as confidential within the                    Administration (SBA) announces that it
                                                  comment.                                                industry, (3) whether the information is              is holding tribal consultation meetings
                                                     Submitting comments via email, hand                  generally known by or available from                  in Albuquerque, New Mexico and
                                                  delivery, or mail. Comments and                         other sources, (4) whether the                        Oklahoma City, Oklahoma concerning
                                                  documents submitted via email, hand                     information has previously been made                  the regulations governing the 8(a)
                                                  delivery, or mail also will be posted to                available to others without obligation                Business Development (BD) program
                                                  http://www.regulations.gov. If you do                   concerning its confidentiality, (5) an                and the HUBZone program. SBA seeks
                                                  not want your personal contact                          explanation of the competitive injury to              to reduce unnecessary or excessive
                                                  information to be publicly viewable, do                 the submitting person which would                     regulatory burdens in those programs
                                                  not include it in your comment or any                   result from public disclosure, (6) when               and to make them more attractive to
                                                  accompanying documents. Instead,                        such information might lose its                       procuring agencies and small
                                                  provide your contact information on a                   confidential character due to the                     businesses. Testimony presented at
                                                  cover letter. Include your first and last               passage of time, and (7) why disclosure               these tribal consultations will become
                                                  names, email address, telephone                         of the information would be contrary to               part of the administrative record for
                                                  number, and optional mailing address.                   the public interest.                                  SBA’s consideration when the Agency
                                                  The cover letter will not be publicly                      It is DOE’s policy that all comments               deliberates on approaches to changes in
                                                  viewable as long as it does not include                 may be included in the public docket,                 the regulations pertaining to these
                                                  any comments.                                           without change and as received,                       programs.
                                                     Include contact information each time                including any personal information                    DATES: The Tribal Consultation meeting
                                                  you submit comments, data, documents,                   provided in the comments (except                      dates are as follows:
                                                  and other information to DOE. If you                    information deemed to be exempt from                     1. Thursday, June 7, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
                                                  submit via mail or hand delivery, please                public disclosure).                                   to 2:30 p.m. (MDT), Albuquerque, New
                                                  provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It                 DOE considers public participation to              Mexico. The pre-registration deadline
                                                  is not necessary to submit printed                      be a very important part of the process               date for this Tribal Consultation meeting
                                                  copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be                   for developing test procedures and                    is May 31, 2018.
                                                  accepted.                                               energy conservation standards. DOE                       2. Friday, June 8, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to
                                                     Comments, data, and other                            actively encourages the participation                 2:00 p.m. (CDT), Oklahoma City,
                                                  information submitted to DOE                            and interaction of the public during the              Oklahoma. The pre-registration deadline
                                                  electronically should be provided in                    comment period in each stage of this                  date for this Tribal Consultation meeting
                                                  PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or                      process. Interactions with and between                is June 1, 2018.
                                                  Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file                members of the public provide a                       ADDRESSES:
                                                  format. Provide documents that are not                  balanced discussion of the issues and                 1. The Tribal Consultation meeting in
                                                  secured, written in English and free of                 assist DOE in the process. Anyone who                       Albuquerque will be held at the
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                                                  any defects or viruses. Documents                       wishes to be added to the DOE mailing                       New Mexico Indian Pueblo Cultural
                                                  should not contain special characters or                list to receive future notices and                          Center, 2401 12th Street NW,
                                                  any form of encryption and, if possible,                information about this process should                       Albuquerque, NM 87104. The
                                                  they should carry the electronic                        contact Appliance and Equipment                             Tribal Consultation meeting in
                                                  signature of the author.                                Standards Program staff at (202) 287–                       Oklahoma City will be held at the
                                                     Campaign form letters. Please submit                 1445 or via email at                                        Tinker Business & Industrial Park,
                                                  campaign form letters by the originating                ApplianceStandardsQuestions@                                2601 Liberty Parkway, Oklahoma
                                                  organization in batches of between 50 to                ee.doe.gov.                                                 City, OK 73110.


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Document Created: 2018-05-30 01:01:56
Document Modified: 2018-05-30 01:01:56
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 June 29, 2018.
ContactMs. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-1604. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 24680 

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