Acid Rain Program

Instructions for

Thermal Energy Plan Form (40 CFR 74.47)

An opt-in source and its replacement units may enter into a Thermal Energy Plan and transfer allowances from the opt-in 

source to each replacement unit based on the actual and documented replacement thermal energy. Thermal energy is defined 

in 40 CFR 72.2 as "the thermal output produced by a combustion source used directly as part of a manufacturing process but 

not used to produce electricity." The Thermal Energy Plan form is to be completed by the designated representatives of the optin source and of the replacement units participating in the plan. Each replacement unit must be an affected unit under the Acid 

Rain Program.

Please type or print. Enter the opt-in source plant name and combustion source ID number from Step 1 in the boxes at the 

top of each page. The alternate designated representative may sign in lieu of the designated representative. For assistance, 

call the Acid Rain Hotline at (202) 233-9620.

Part 1: Opt-In Source Information

STEP 1 NADB is the National Allowance Data Base for the Acid Rain Program. To obtain the database on diskette, call 

the Acid Rain Hotline at (202) 233-9620. This data file is in dBase format for use on an IBM-compatible PC. It 

requires 2 megabytes of hard disk space. If the opt-in source does not have an ORIS code, use the code from 

the Department of Energy Form 867 or leave blank and a code will be assigned by EPA.

The combustion source short name and the combustion source ID number are the name and ID number 

assigned by the operator to distinguish this combustion source from others at the facility.

STEP 2 The effective period of the Thermal Energy Plan will run from the year entered in Step 2 through the last full 

calendar year for which the opt-in permit containing the plan is in effect.

STEP 3 The expected annual reduction in thermal energy at the opt-in source includes all thermal energy flows used for 

any process or in any heating or cooling application, but does not include thermal energy used to produce 

electricity.

STEP 4 Calculate the percentage of allowances to be deducted for reduced utilization using the formula shown.

Estimate the annual utilization for the first year (listed in Step 2) that the Thermal Energy Plan will be in effect.

The baseline utilization for the opt-in source is entered at Step 13(b) of the opt-in permit application.

STEP 5 Multiply the percentage of allowances to be deducted for reduced utilization by the number of allowances 

allocated to the opt-in source for the current calendar year. The result is the total number of allowances to be 

deducted for reduced utilization. This number includes both the allowances that will be transferred to the 

replacement units and the allowances that will be surrendered to EPA.

STEP 6 Subtract the total number of allowances to be deducted from the opt-in source for reduced utilization, 

calculated in Step 5, from the number of allowances allocated to the opt-in source for the current calendar year.

The difference is the number of allowances to be retained by the opt-in source after the Thermal Energy Plan 

takes effect.

STEP 7 Identify each replacement unit that will replace thermal energy at the opt-in source. For each replacement unit 

listed in Step 7, submit a completed Part 2 of the Thermal Energy Plan form. Enter the number of allowances 

that will be transferred to each replacement unit, as determined in Step R-8 of Part 2 of the Thermal Energy 

Plan form. Enter the total number of allowances to be awarded to the replacement units in the "Total" box 

below the table. The total number of allowances may not exceed the number of allowances to be deducted for 

reduced utilization as calculated in Step 5.

STEP 8 Determine the number of allowances to be surrendered to EPA due to reduced utilization of the opt-in source 

by subtracting the total number of allowances in Step 7 from the result in Step 5.

STEP 9 Complete and attach Part 2 of the Thermal Energy Plan form for each replacement unit listed in Step 7.
Page 2 Thermal Energy Plan Form Instructions

Indicate the number of replacement units for which Part 2 forms are attached.

STEP 10 If the opt-in source will be permanently retired as of the effective date of the Thermal Energy Plan, as listed in 

Step 2, the opt-in source may apply to become exempt from the Acid Rain Program's monitoring requirements. 

If such an exemption is approved, the opt-in source will not be required to monitor its emissions upon 

retirement. Regardless, the opt-in source must continue to submit an annual compliance certification report, as 

required in 40 CFR 74.7(d). For more information, refer to 40 CFR 75.67 and 74.47(a)(5).

STEP 11 The designated representative of the opt-in source must read the special provisions and certifications, and sign 

and date Part 1.

Part 2: Replacement Unit Information

STEP R-1 NADB is the National Allowance Data Base for the Acid Rain Program. To obtain the database on diskette, call 

the Acid Rain Hotline at (202) 233-9620. This data file is in dBase format for use on an IBM-compatible PC. It 

requires 2 megabytes of hard disk space. If the replacement unit does not have an ORIS code, use the code 

from the Department of Energy Form 867 or leave blank and a code will be assigned by EPA.

STEP R-2 Enter the information identifying the opt-in source from Step 1 of Part 1.

STEP R-3 For each type of fuel used at the replacement unit, estimate the percentage of the total fuel input that the fuel 

constitutes. The percentages must total 100%.

STEP R-4 Enter the most stringent allowable SO2 emissions rate applicable to the replacement unit for all fuels used by 

the replacement unit for the year that the Thermal Energy Plan will take effect, as listed in Step 2 of Part 1. If 

that limit is not measured in lbs/mmBtu, use the appropriate conversion factor from the table below.

Unit of 

Measurement

Bituminous 

Coal

Subbituminous 

Coal Lignite Coal Oil

lbs Sulfur/mmBtu 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

% Sulfur in fuel 1.66 2.22 2.86 1.07

ppm SO2 0.00287 0.00384 -- 0.00167

ppm Sulfur in fuel -- -- -- 0.00334

tons SO2/hour 2 x 8760/(annual fuel consumption for 1 specified year * 103)

lbs SO2/hour 8760/(annual fuel consumption for 1 specified year * 106)

1 Annual fuel consumption is defined in 40 CFR 74.20; specified calendar year is defined in 

40 CFR 74.23(a)(2)

STEP R-5 Provide the effective date and regulatory citation for the SO2 emissions limit in Step R-4, and identify the 

permitting authority under which the emissions limit was established or through which it is enforced.

STEP R-6 The estimated total thermal energy produced at the replacement unit for the year preceding replacement 

includes all energy flows used for any process or in any heating or cooling application.

STEP R-7 The estimated total thermal energy produced at the replacement unit after the Thermal Energy Plan takes 

effect includes all energy flows used for any process or in any heating or cooling application.

STEP R-8 Estimate the total thermal energy at the replacement unit that will be used to replace thermal energy at the optin source. This amount is called the "Qualifying Thermal Energy."

Divide the qualifying thermal energy by the appropriate efficiency constant.

Boilers: 0.85

Cogenerators: 0.80

The result is the fuel associated with qualifying thermal energy, in mmBtu. Multiply that by the SO2 

emissions rate listed in Step R-4, then divide the product by 2000. The result is the number of
Thermal Energy Plan Form Instructions Page 3

allowances to be transferred to this replacement unit. This number should also be entered at Step 7 of Part 1 

of the Thermal Energy Plan form.

STEP R-9 The designated representative of each replacement unit must read the special provisions and certifications and 

sign and date Part 2. The designated representative of the opt-in source must sign and date the Part 2 form 

submitted by each replacement unit listed in Step 7 of Part 1.

Submission Instructions

The designated representative of the opt-in source is responsible for collecting a completed Part 2 from each replacement unit 

participating in the Thermal Energy Plan. The Thermal Energy Plan form must be submitted in its entirety; all completed Part 2 

forms must be submitted along with the completed Part 1 form. The designated representative of the opt-in source should mail 

one original of Part 1 and one original of each completed Part 2, plus 3 photocopies of the entire submission, to the permitting 

authority responsible for issuing the opt-in permit to the source.

Paperwork Burden Estimate

The burden on the public for collecting and reporting of information under this request is estimated at 70 hours per response. Send 

comments regarding this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to: Chief, Information Policy Branch 

(2136), Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20460; and to: Paperwork Reduction Project 

(OMB#2060-0258), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503. Do not 

send this form to these addresses; see the submission instructions above.
United States

Environmental Protection Agency 

Acid Rain Program

OMB No. 2060-0258

Approval expires 11/30/2012

Thermal Energy Plan Form

Part 1: Opt-In Source Information

For more information, see instructions and refer to 40 CFR 74.47 Page of 

This submission is New Revised

STEP 1

Identify the opt-in source 

by plant name, State, ORIS 

code from NADB (if 

applicable), combustion 

source short name, and 

combustion source ID 

number. Enter the ATS 

account number for the 

opt-in source.

Plant Name State ORIS Code

Combustion Source Short Name Combustion Source ID#

ATS Account #

STEP 2

Enter the effective date of 

the thermal energy plan.

This plan will take effect on January ------------> 

year

STEP 3

Enter the expected 

reduction in total annual 

thermal energy output at 

the opt-in source.

Reduction in total annual thermal energy output ----------> 

mmBtu

STEP 4

Estimate the percentage of 

allowances to be deducted 

for reduced utilization.

Formula: (P = 1 –

A )

 

B 

A = Annual Utilization After

Thermal Energy Plan Takes Effect --------------> mmBtu

B = Baseline Utilization -----------------------> 

mmBtu

P = Percentage to be Deducted ------------------> 

% 

STEP 5

Calculate the total number 

of allowances to be 

deducted for reduced 

utilization.

Percentage (Step 4)

% 

x 

Allowances Allocated for 

Current Calendar Year

allowances = 

Total Allowances to be 

Deducted for Reduced 

Utilization

allowances

EPA Form 7610-27 (Rev 12-2009) 
Thermal Energy Plan

OMB No. 2060-0258

Plant Name (from Step 1) Combustion Source ID#

Page of 

STEP 6 

Calculate the number 

of allowances to be 

retained by the opt-in 

source.

Allowances Allocated for 

Current Calendar Year

allowances

– 

Total Allowances to be 

Deducted for Reduced 

Utilization (Step 5)

allowances

= 

Number of Allowances 

Retained by Opt-in Source

allowances

STEP 7

Identify the replacement 

units that will replace 

thermal energy at the optin source. Enter the 

number of allowances 

that the opt-in source will 

transfer to each 

replacement unit (from 

Step R-7 of Part 2).

Replacement Unit Plant Name State Boiler ID# Number of Allowances

(a)

allowances

(b)

allowances

(c)

allowances

(d)

allowances

Total:

allowances

STEP 8 

Calculate the number 

of allowances to be 

surrendered to EPA.

Total Allowances to be 

Deducted for Reduced

allowances

– 

Total Allowances to be 

Transferred to Replacement 

allowances = 

Allowances to be 

Surrendered

allowances

STEP 9

For each replacement unit 

listed in Step 7, complete 

and attach Part 2 of this 

form. Enter the number of 

replacement units.

Number of replacement units -------------------------> 

units

STEP 10

Check the box if the optin source will be 

permanently retired as of 

the effective date of this 

Thermal Energy Plan, as 

listed in Step 2.

 

I request exemption from the requirements of Part 75 in accordance with 40 CFR 75.67.

I certify that the opt-in source is or will be, as applicable, permanently retired on the date specified in 

this plan and will not emit any sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide after such date.

EPA Form 7610-27 (Rev 12-2009) 
Thermal Energy Plan

OMB No. 2060-0258

Plant Name (from Step 1) Combustion Source ID# 

Page of 

STEP 11

Read the special 

provisions and 

certifications, and 

sign and date.

Special Provisions

The designated representative of each replacement unit shall maintain and make available to the Administrator, at the 

Administrator's request, copies of documents demonstrating that the replacement unit is replacing the thermal energy 

of the opt-in source.

Certifications

I certify that each replacement unit listed in the Thermal Energy Plan has entered into a legally binding steam sales 

agreement to provide the thermal energy, as calculated in accordance with 40 CFR 74.47(a)(3)(xi), that it is replacing 

for the opt-in source.

I am authorized to make this submission on behalf of the owners and operators of the combustion sources or opt-in 

source for which the submission is made. I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined, and am 

familiar with, the statements and information submitted in this document and all its attachments. Based on my inquiry 

of those individuals with primary responsibility for obtaining the information, I certify that the statements and 

information are to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are 

significant penalties for submitting false statements and information or omitting required statements and information, 

including the possibility of fine or imprisonment.

EPA Form 7610-27 (Rev 12-2009) 
United States

Environmental Protection Agency 

Acid Rain Program

OMB No. 2060-0258

 Approval expires 11/30/2012

Thermal Energy Plan Form

Part 2: Replacement Unit Information

For more information, see instructions and refer to 40 CFR 74.47 Page of 

This submission is New Revised

STEP R-1 

Identify the replacement 

unit by plant name, State, 

boiler ID number from 

NADB (if applicable), and 

ATS account number.

Replacement Unit Plant Name State Boiler ID#

ATS Account #

STEP R-2 

Identify the opt-in 

combustion source by 

name, State, ID number, 

and ATS account number.

Opt-in Source Plant Name State

ATS Account #

STEP R-3 

Enter each type of fuel 

used at the replacement 

unit and the percentage 

of the total fuel input that 

the fuel constitutes.

Percentage of 

Fuel Type Fuel Input

%

%

% 

%

STEP R-4 

Enter the most stringent 

allowable SO2 emissions 

rate that applies to the 

replacement unit for the 

year the Thermal Energy 

Plan will take effect, as 

listed in Step 2 of Part 1.

Limit Units of Measure Fuel Type

Regulatory Limit

Conversion Factor x 

Converted Rate = lbs/mmBtu

STEP R-5 

Identify the regulatory 

citation for the SO2

emissions limit in 

Step R-4.

Effective Date Regulatory Citation and Name of Permitting Authority

EPA Form 7610-27 (Rev 12-2009) 
Thermal Energy Plan

OMB No. 2060-0258

Page of 

Opt-in Source Plant Name (Step R-2) 

STEP R-6 

Enter the estimated total 

thermal energy produced 

at the replacement unit for 

the year preceding 

replacement.

 

mmBtu

STEP R-7 

Enter the estimated total 

thermal energy produced 

at the replacement unit 

after replacement.

mmBtu

STEP R-8 

Calculate the 

allowances to be 

transferred to this 

replacement unit.

Estimated Thermal Energy Replacing Thermal Energy at the 

Opt-in Source (Qualifying Thermal Energy) mmBtu

Efficiency Constant (Boilers: 0.80; Cogenerators: 0.85) ÷

Fuel Associated with Qualifying Thermal Energy = mmBtu

Most Stringent SO2 Emissions Rate (Step R-4) x 

lbs/mmBtu

÷ 2000

Allowances Transferred to this Replacement Unit = allowances

STEP R-9 

Read the special 

provisions and 

certifications, and sign 

and date.

Special Provisions

The designated representative of each replacement unit shall maintain and make available to the Administrator, at the 

Administrator's request, copies of documents demonstrating that the replacement unit is replacing the thermal energy 

of the opt-in source.

Certifications

I certify that the replacement unit and the opt-in source have entered into a legally binding steam sales under which 

the replacement unit will provide the thermal energy, as calculated in accordance with 40 CFR 74.47(a)(3)(xi), that the 

replacement unit is replacing for the opt-in source.

I am authorized to make this submission on behalf of the owners and operators of the affected unit for which the 

submission is made. I certify under penalty of law that I have personally examined, and am familiar with, the 

statements and information submitted in this document and all its attachments. Based on my inquiry of those 

individuals with primary responsibility for obtaining the information, I certify that the statements and information are to 

the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for 

submitting false statements and information or omitting required statements and information, including the possibility of 

fine or imprisonment.

Replacement Unit

Name

Opt-in Source

Name

EPA Form 7610-27 (Rev 12-2009)