September ’24 at-a-glance … energy

NAFEM efforts continue to advocate for CRE “no-new-standard” decision from DOE 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) providing updated analysis to inform its final rule on energy-conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment (CRE). The NODA reflects NAFEM’s comments to the original Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR). Unfortunately, DOE has yet to publish the data underlying the rulemaking.  

On Sept. 16, NAFEM provided an ex parte presentation to DOE staff to further discuss the industry’s concerns with the proposed rulemaking and concerns about manufacturers’ inability to review the data upon which the agency is making its recommendations.  

Comments on the NODA are due Sept. 27. NAFEM and the Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) had requested a 30-day extension, which the DOE has since denied. Historically, these requests have been denied by DOE. Under the settlement agreement, DOE is required to issue a final rule by the end of November. 

ACIM and WAC/F final rules pending 

According to the spring semiannual Unified Agenda, the DOE anticipates issuing final energy-conservation standards as follows:  

• September: Automatic Commercial Ice Maker (ACIM) standards  

• November: Walk-in Coolers/Freezers (WIC/F) standards. 

California seeks input on commercial oven standards 

Comments are due Oct. 25 on a Request for Information (RFI) from the California Energy Commission (CEC) seeking data that could inform future efficiency standards, test procedures and marking requirements for commercial ovens. The RFI addresses convection, conveyor, slow cook-and-hold, deck, hearth, microwave, range, rapid-cook, rotisserie and reel-type ovens.  

NAFEM previously provided comments to the CEC on the state’s potential energy-efficiency standards for gas- and electric-powered commercial steam cookers, convection ovens, dishwashers and fryers.  

Maryland issues proposed standards for CRE, dishwashers, steam cookers 

The Maryland Energy Administration issued proposed minimum energy-efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, dishwashers and steam cookers. The Notice of Proposed Action also addresses testing, certification, inspection and enforcement procedures. Comments were due Sept. 23.  

NY proposes increase to expand Energy Efficiency Program

New York’s Municipal Power Agency has petitioned to increase the funding mechanism of energy efficiency programs from one mil to two mil per kilowatt-hour. The proposal is expected to cost the average residential user an additional $8 – $16 per year. The estimated increase for commercial users was not provided.