This document, concerning dehumidifiers is an action issued by the Department of 

Energy. Though it is not intended or expected, should any discrepancy occur between the 

document posted here and the document published in the Federal Register, the Federal 

Register publication controls. This document is being made available through the Internet 

solely as a means to facilitate the public's access to this document. 
1

 [6450-01-P]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0027] 

RIN: 1904-AC81 

Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Dehumidifiers: Public Meeting and 

Availability of the Preliminary Technical Support Document 

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and availability of preliminary technical support 

document. 

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will hold a public meeting to 

discuss and receive comments on the preliminary analysis it has conducted for purposes 

of establishing energy conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers. The meeting 

will cover the analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE is using to evaluate 

potential standards for this product; the results of preliminary analyses performed by 

DOE for this product; the potential energy conservation standard levels derived from 

these analyses that DOE could consider for this product; and any other issues relevant to 

the development of energy conservation standards for this product. In addition, DOE 
2

encourages written comments on these subjects. To inform interested parties and to 

facilitate this process, DOE has prepared an agenda, a preliminary technical support 

document (TSD), and briefing materials, which are available on the DOE website at: 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47. 

DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on Friday, June 13, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.,

in Washington, DC. Additionally, DOE plans to allow for participation in the public 

meeting via webinar. DOE will accept comments, data, and other information regarding 

this rulemaking before or after the public meeting, but no later than [INSERT DATE 60 

DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER]. See 

section IV, “Public Participation,” of this notice of public meeting (NOPM) for details. 

 

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy, 

Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 

20585-0121. 

Interested persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE2012-BT-STD-0027 and/or Regulation Identification Number (RIN) 1904-AC81, by any 

of the following methods: 

 Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 

submitting comments. 
3

 Email: ResDehumidifier2012STD0027@ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number 

EERE-2012-BT-STD-0027 and/or RIN 1904-AC81 in the subject line of the 

message. 

 Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies 

Program, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 

20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which 

case it is not necessary to include printed copies. [Please note that comments and 

CDs sent by mail are often delayed and may be damaged by mail screening 

processes.] 

 Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building 

Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. 

Telephone (202) 586-2945. If possible, please submit all items on CD, in which 

case it is not necessary to include printed copies. 

Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov, including 

Federal Register notices, framework documents, public meeting attendee lists and 

transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All documents in the 

docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in 

the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public 

disclosure. 

The rulemaking web page can be found at: 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47.
4

This web page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the regulation.gov site. The 

regulations.gov web page contains instructions on how to access all documents in the 

docket, including public comments. 

For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on 

the rulemaking process, see section IV, “Public Participation,” of this document. For 

further information on how to submit a comment, review other public comments and the 

docket, or participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-

2945 or by email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms Ashley Armstrong, U.S. 

Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 

Technologies, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121.

E-mail: dehumidifiers@ee.doe.gov. Or visit DOE’s dehumidifier web page at 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47

for information about any existing standards and test procedures, and the history and 

impacts of previous DOE regulatory actions, for this category of products. 

 In the Office of the General Counsel, contact Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. 

Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence 

Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. E-mail: 

elizabeth.kohl@hq.doe.gov.
5

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents 

I. Authority

II. History of Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking for Residential Dehumidifiers

A. Background

B. Current Rulemaking Process

III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE

A. Engineering Analysis

B. Markups To Determine Prices

C. Energy Use Analysis

D. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses

E. National Impact Analysis

IV. Public Participation

A. Attendance at Public Meeting

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests to Speak

C. Conduct of Public Meeting

D. Submission of Comments

V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority

Title III, Part B1 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended, 

(EPCA or the Act), Pub. L. 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as codified) sets forth a variety 

of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency and established the Energy 

Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, a program 

covering most major household appliances.2

 

1

 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, Part B was redesignated Part A. 

2

 All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute as amended through the American Energy 

Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012) 
6

 EPCA established energy conservation standards for dehumidifiers3 manufactured 

as of October 1, 2007. 42 U.S.C. 6295(g). EPCA also required that DOE issue a final 

rule by October 1, 2009, to determine whether these standards should be amended. (Id.) 

Compliance with any amended standards would be required for dehumidifiers 

manufactured as of October 1, 2012. (Id.) In the event that DOE did not publish a final 

rule, EPCA specified a new set of amended standards with a compliance date of October 

1, 2012. (Id.) Congress subsequently amended EPCA to prescribe new energy 

conservation standards for dehumidifiers manufactured on or after October 1, 2012. DOE 

codified these standards at 10 CFR 430.32(v)(2). 74 FR 12058 (Mar. 23, 2009). 

EPCA also requires that, not later than 6 years after the issuance of a final rule 

establishing or amending a standard, DOE publish a notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NOPR) proposing new standards or a notice of determination that the existing standards 

do not need to be amended. (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)) 

 DOE is required to consider standards that: (1) achieve the maximum 

improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically 

justified; and (2) result in significant conservation of energy. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A) 

and (o)(3)(B)) To determine whether a proposed standard is economically justified, DOE 

will, after receiving comments on the proposed standard, determine whether the benefits 

of the standard exceed its burdens, considering, to the greatest extent practicable, the 

 

3 Dehumidifiers are defined as self-contained, electrically operated, and mechanically encased 

assemblies consisting of: (1) a refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture from the 

atmosphere; (2) a refrigerating system, including an electric motor; (3) an air-circulating fan; and (4) 

a means for collecting or disposing of the condensate. (42 U.S.C. 6291(34)) 
7

following seven factors: 

1. The economic impact of the standard on manufacturers and consumers of 

products subject to the standard; 

2. The savings in operating costs throughout the estimated average life of the 

covered products in the type (or class) compared to any increase in the price, 

initial charges, or maintenance expenses for the covered products which are 

likely to result from the standard; 

3. The total projected amount of energy savings likely to result directly from the 

standard; 

4. Any lessening of the utility or the performance of the covered products likely 

to result from the standard; 

5. The impact of any lessening of competition, as determined in writing by the 

Attorney General, that is likely to result from the standard; 

6. The need for national energy conservation; and 

7. Other factors the Secretary of Energy considers relevant. 

(42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)) 

Before proposing a standard, DOE typically seeks public input on the analytical 

framework, models, and tools that DOE will use to evaluate standards for the product at 

issue and the results of preliminary analyses DOE performed for the product. Today’s 

notice announces the availability of the preliminary TSD, which details the preliminary 
8

analyses, discusses the comments DOE received from interested parties on the 

Framework Document, and summarizes the preliminary results of DOE’s analyses. In 

addition, DOE is announcing a public meeting to solicit feedback from interested parties 

on its analytical framework, models, and preliminary results. 

II. History of the Current Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking for 

Residential Dehumidifiers 

 In initiating this rulemaking, DOE prepared a Framework Document, “Energy 

Conservation Standards Rulemaking Framework Document for Residential 

Dehumidifiers,” which describes the procedural and analytical approaches DOE 

anticipates using to evaluate energy conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers.

This document is available at: 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47. 

 DOE held a public meeting on September 24, 2012, at which it described the 

various analyses DOE would conduct as part of the rulemaking, such as the engineering 

analysis, the life-cycle cost (LCC) and payback period (PBP) analyses, and the national 

impact analysis (NIA). Representatives for manufacturers, trade associations, 

environmental and energy efficiency advocates, and other interested parties attended the 

meeting. 

 Comments received since publication of the Framework Document have helped 

DOE identify and resolve issues related to the preliminary analyses. Chapter 2 of the 
9

preliminary TSD summarizes and addresses the comments received. 

III. Summary of the Analyses Performed by DOE 

For the products covered in this rulemaking, DOE conducted in-depth technical 

analyses in the following areas: (1) engineering; (2) markups to determine product price; 

(3) energy use; (4) life-cycle cost and payback period; and (5) national impacts. The 

preliminary TSD that presents the methodology and results of each of these analyses is 

available at 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47. 

 DOE also conducted, and has included in the preliminary TSD, several other 

analyses that support the major analyses or are preliminary analyses that will be 

expanded upon for a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) if DOE proposes that 

amended energy conservation standards are technologically feasible, economically 

justified, and would save a significant amount of energy. These analyses include: (1) the 

market and technology assessment; (2) the screening analysis, which contributes to the 

engineering analysis; and (3) the shipments analysis, which contributes to the LCC and 

PBP analysis and NIA. In addition to these analyses, DOE has begun preliminary work 

on the manufacturer impact analysis and has identified the methods to be used for the 

consumer subgroup analysis, the emissions analysis, the employment impact analysis, the 

regulatory impact analysis, and the utility impact analysis. DOE will expand on these 

analyses in any notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR). 
10

A. Engineering Analysis 

The engineering analysis establishes the relationship between the cost and 

efficiency levels of the product that DOE is evaluating as potential energy conservation 

standards. This relationship serves as the basis for cost-benefit calculations for individual 

consumers, manufacturers, and the nation. The engineering analysis identifies 

representative baseline products, which is the starting point for analyzing technologies 

that provide energy efficiency improvements. “Baseline products” refers to a model or 

models having features and technologies typically found in minimally-efficient products 

currently available on the market and, for products already subject to energy conservation 

standards, a model that just meets the current standard. After identifying the baseline 

models, DOE estimated manufacturer selling prices by using a consistent methodology 

and pricing scheme that includes material costs and manufacturer markups. Chapter 5 of 

the preliminary TSD discusses the engineering analysis. 

B. Markups To Determine Prices 

DOE derives customer prices based on manufacturer markups, retailer markups, 

distributor markups, contractor markups (where appropriate), and sales taxes. In deriving 

these markups, DOE determines the major distribution channels for product sales, the 

markup associated with each party in each distribution channel, and the existence and 

magnitude of differences between markups for baseline products (baseline markups) and 

higher-efficiency products (incremental markups). DOE calculates both overall baseline 
11

and overall incremental markups based on the markups at each step in each distribution 

channel. Chapter 6 of the preliminary TSD addresses the markups analysis. 

C. Energy Use Analysis 

The energy use analysis provides estimates of the annual energy consumption of 

residential dehumidifiers. The energy use analysis seeks to estimate the range of energy 

consumption of the products that meet each of the efficiency levels considered in a given 

rulemaking as they are used in the field. DOE uses these values in the LCC and PBP 

analyses and in the NIA. Chapter 7 of the preliminary TSD addresses the energy use 

analysis. 

 

D. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analyses 

 The LCC and PBP analyses determine the economic impact of potential standards 

on individual consumers. The LCC is the total cost of purchasing, installing and 

operating a considered product over the course of its lifetime. The LCC analysis 

compares the LCCs of products designed to meet possible energy conservation standards 

with the LCC of the product likely to be installed in the absence of standards. DOE 

determines LCCs by considering: (1) total installed cost to the purchaser (which consists 

of manufacturer selling price, distribution chain markups, sales taxes, and installation 

cost); (2) the operating cost of the product (energy cost, water and wastewater cost in 

some cases, and maintenance and repair cost); (3) product lifetime; and (4) a discount 

rate that reflects the real consumer cost of capital and puts the LCC in present-value 
12

terms. The PBP represents the number of years needed to recover the increase in 

purchase price (including installation cost) of higher-efficiency products through savings 

in the operating cost of the product. PBP is calculated by dividing the incremental 

increase in installed cost of the higher efficiency product, compared to the baseline 

product, by the annual savings in operating costs. Chapter 8 of the preliminary TSD 

addresses the LCC and PBP analyses. 

E. National Impact Analysis 

The NIA estimates the national energy savings (NES) and the net present value 

(NPV) of total consumer costs and savings expected to result from amended standards at 

specific efficiency levels (referred to as candidate standard levels). DOE calculated NES 

and NPV for each candidate standard level for residential dehumidifiers as the difference 

between a base-case forecast (without amended standards) and the standards-case 

forecast (with standards). Cumulative energy savings are the sum of the annual NES 

determined for the lifetime of the products shipped from 2019 to 2048. The NPV is the 

sum over time of the discounted net savings each year, which consists of the difference 

between total operating cost savings and increases in total installed costs. Critical inputs 

to this analysis include shipments projections, estimated product lifetimes, product 

installed costs and operating costs, product annual energy consumption, the base case 

efficiency projection, and discount rates. Chapter 10 of the preliminary TSD addresses 

the NIA. 
13

IV. Public Participation 

DOE invites input from the public on all the topics described above. The 

preliminary analytical results are subject to revision following further review and input 

from the public. A complete and revised TSD will be made available upon issuance of a 

NOPR. The final rule establishing any amended energy conservation standards will 

contain the final analytical results and will be accompanied by a final rule TSD. 

DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the public meeting to obtain the 

preliminary TSD from DOE’s website and to be prepared to discuss its contents. The 

preliminary TSD is available at: 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47.

However, public meeting participants need not limit their comments to the topics 

identified in the preliminary TSD; DOE is also interested in receiving views concerning 

other relevant issues that participants believe would affect energy conservation standards 

for this product or that DOE should address in the NOPR. 

Furthermore, DOE welcomes all interested parties, regardless of whether they 

participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by [INSERT DATE 60 DAYS 

AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER] comments, 

data, and information on matters addressed in the preliminary TSD and on other matters 

relevant to consideration of energy conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers. 

The public meeting will be conducted in an informal conference style. A court 

reporter will be present to record the minutes of the meeting. There shall be no discussion 
14

of proprietary information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial matters 

regulated by United States antitrust laws. 

After the public meeting and the closing of the comment period, DOE will 

consider all timely-submitted comments and additional information obtained from 

interested parties, as well as information obtained through further analyses. Afterwards, 

the Department will publish either a determination that the standards for residential 

dehumidifiers need not be amended or a NOPR proposing to amend those standards. The 

NOPR will include proposed energy conservation standards for the products covered by 

the rulemaking, and members of the public will be given an opportunity to submit written 

and oral comments on the proposed standards. 

A. Attendance at Public Meeting 

The time and date of the public meeting are listed in the DATES and ADDRESSES

sections at the beginning of this notice. The public meeting will be held at the U.S. 

Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue, 

SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. To attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. 

Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945.

Please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting are subject 

to advance security screening procedures which require advance notice prior to 

attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public 

meeting, please inform DOE of this fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Brenda 

Edwards at (202) 586-2945 so that the necessary procedures can be completed. 
15

DOE requires visitors to have laptops and other devices, such as tablets, checked 

upon entry into the building. Please report to the visitor’s desk to have devices checked 

before proceeding through security. 

The purpose of the meeting is to receive comments and to help DOE understand 

potential issues associated with this rulemaking. DOE must receive requests to speak at 

the meeting before May 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. DOE must receive a signed original and an 

electronic copy of statements to be given at the public meeting before May 30, 2014 at 

4:00 p.m.

You can attend the public meeting via webinar, and registration information, 

participant instructions, and information about the capabilities available to webinar 

participants will be published on the following website: 

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/47.

Participants are responsible for ensuring their computer systems are compatible with the 

webinar software. 

B. Procedure for Submitting Requests to Speak 

Any person who has an interest in today’s notice or who is a representative of a 

group or class of persons that has an interest in these issues may request an opportunity to 

make an oral presentation. Such persons may hand-deliver requests to speak, along with a 

computer diskette or CD in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file 

format to Ms. Brenda Edwards at the address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the 

beginning of this notice between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except 
16

Federal holidays. Requests may also be sent by mail to the address shown in the 

ADDRESSES section or email to Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. 

Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of their interest in 

this rulemaking and provide a telephone number for contact. DOE requests persons 

selected to be heard to submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks 

before the public meeting. At its discretion, DOE may permit any person who cannot 

supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if that person has made advance 

alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies Program. The request to give an 

oral presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements. 

C. Conduct of Public Meeting 

DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting and may also 

employ a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will not be a judicial or 

evidentiary-type public hearing, but DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 

of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6306) A court reporter will record the proceedings and prepare a 

transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of presentations and to establish 

the procedures governing the conduct of the public meeting. After the public meeting, 

interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings as well as on any 

aspect of the rulemaking until the end of the comment period. 

The public meeting will be conducted in an informal conference style. DOE will 

present summaries of comments received before the public meeting, allow time for 

presentations by participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views on 
17

issues affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed to make a prepared 

general statement (within DOE-determined time limits) prior to the discussion of specific 

topics. DOE will permit other participants to comment briefly on any general statements. 

At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit participants to 

clarify their statements briefly and comment on statements made by others. Participants 

should be prepared to answer questions from DOE and other participants concerning 

these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of participants concerning other 

matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official conducting the public meeting will 

accept additional comments or questions from those attending, as time permits. The 

presiding official will announce any further procedural rules or modification of the above 

procedures that may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting. 

A transcript of the public meeting will be posted on the DOE website and will 

also be included in the docket, which can be viewed as described in the Docket section at 

the beginning of this notice. In addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript 

from the transcribing reporter. 

D. Submission of Comments 

DOE will accept comments, data, and other information regarding this rulemaking 

before or after the public meeting, but no later than the date provided at the beginning of 

this notice. Please submit comments, data, and other information as provided in the 

ADDRESSES section. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, 

PDF, or text (ASCII) file format and avoid the use of special characters or any form of 
18

encryption. Comments in electronic format should be identified by the Docket Number 

EERE-2012-BT-STD-0027 and/or RIN 1904-AC81 and, wherever possible, carry the 

electronic signature of the author. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. 

Pursuant 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 two 

copies: one copy of the document including all the information believed to be 

confidential and one copy of the document with the information believed to be 

confidential deleted. DOE will make its own determination as to 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) a date upon which such information might 

lose its confidential nature due to the passage of time; and (7) why disclosure of the 

information would be contrary to the public interest.