Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Standby Mode and Off Mode for Microwave Ovens
February 14, 2012 - 77 FR 8526 - RIN: 1904-AC07 - Download Full Notice: Text | PDF
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment. Microwave ovens are covered products under EPCA, although there are no existing microwave oven standards. EPCA requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to determine whether amended, more stringent, standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. Additionally, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) amended EPCA to require any final rule adopted after July 1, 2010 establishing or revising energy conservation standards for covered products, including microwave ovens, to address standby mode and off mode energy use. On October 17, 2008, DOE issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) in which DOE proposed amendments to the energy conservation standards for several residential and commercial products, including microwave ovens. In response to the NOPR, DOE received comment expressing concern and encouraging the Department to re-examine standby mode and off mode of microwave ovens as a part of DOE's rulemaking analyses. Additionally, DOE received comment alleging certain data problems affecting DOE's rulemaking analyses. DOE's preliminary assessment suggested that the concerns might be valid, thereby necessitating additional, supplemental rulemaking analyses. In this notice, DOE responds to the comments received on the NOPR and proposes amended energy conservation standards for microwave oven standby mode and off mode. The notice also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.
Agency Contact: Mr. Wes Anderson, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7335. Email: wes.anderson@ee.doe.gov.
This is a proposed regulation.
Mercatus Center Regulatory Report Card
What this Rule is Proposing
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment. Microwave ovens are covered products under EPCA, although there are no existing microwave oven standards. EPCA requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to determine whether amended, more stringent, standards are technologically feasible and economically justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. Additionally, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) amended EPCA to require any final rule adopted after July 1, 2010 establishing or revising energy conservation standards for covered products, including microwave ovens, to address standby mode and off mode energy use. On October 17, 2008, DOE issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) in which DOE proposed amendments to the energy conservation standards for several residential and commercial products, including microwave ovens. In response to the NOPR, DOE received comment expressing concern and encouraging the Department to re-examine standby mode and off mode of microwave ovens as a part of DOE's rulemaking analysis. Additionally, DOE received comment alleging certain data problems affecting DOE's rulemaking analyses. DOE's preliminary assessment suggested that the concerns might be valid, thereby necessitating additional, supplemental rulemaking analysis. In this notice, DOE responds to the comments received on the NOPR and proposes amended energy conservation standards for microwave oven standby mode and off mode. The notice also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analysis and results.
Monetized Costs & Benefits (as reported by agency)
| Dollar Year | 2010 | |
| Time Horizon (Years) | 30 | |
| Discount Rates | 3% | 7% |
| Expected Costs (Annualized) | $21.48-$25.48 million | $20.25-$23.39 million |
| Expected Benefits (Annualized) | $217-$269 million; Plus CO2 range: $193-$346 million | $185-$224 million; Plus CO2 range: $160-$301 million |
| Expected Costs (Total) | Not Reported by Agency | Not Reported by Agency |
| Expected Benefits (Total) | Not Reported by Agency | Not Reported by Agency |
| Net Benefits (Annualized) | $192-$247 million; Plus CO2 range: $167-$324 million | $162-$204 million; Plus CO2 range: $137-$281 million |
| Net Benefits (Total) | Not Reported by Agency | Not Reported by Agency |
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