[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 251 (Tuesday, December 31, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79637-79638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-31264]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-TP-0046]
RIN 1904-AC52
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Set-Top Boxes
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) withdraws a proposed rule
published January 23, 2013 to establish a test procedure to measure the
energy consumption of set-top boxes (STBs). DOE is taking this action
in light of a consensus agreement entered by a broadly representative
group that DOE believes has the potential to achieve significant energy
savings in STBs.
DATES: The proposed rule is withdrawn December 31, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J,
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-9870. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6122. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'') sets forth a variety of provisions designed to
improve energy efficiency. (All references to EPCA refer to the statute
as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical
Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012)). Part A of
Title III of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) established the ``Energy
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles,''
which covers consumer products and certain commercial products
(hereafter referred to as ``covered products'').\1\ In addition to
specifying a list of covered residential and commercial products, EPCA
contains provisions that enable the Secretary of Energy to classify
additional types of consumer products as covered products. (42 U.S.C.
6292(a)(20)) DOE may prescribe test procedures for any product it
classifies as a ``covered product.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. code,
Part B was re-designated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Background
On June 15, 2011, DOE published a notice of proposed determination
that tentatively determined that STBs and network equipment qualify as
a covered product. 76 FR at 34914. Subsequently, DOE initiated the
rulemaking process to
[[Page 79638]]
establish a test procedure for STBs. First, DOE issued a request for
information document on December 16, 2011, requesting stakeholders to
provide technical information regarding various test procedures used by
industry to measure the energy consumption of STBs and network
equipment. 76 FR at 78174. DOE then published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NOPR) on January 23, 2013 to establish a new test procedure
focused exclusively on STBs. 78 FR 5076. DOE held a public meeting and
requested stakeholder comments on all aspects of the NOPR.
III. Discussion
In September, 2013 a broadly representative group of Pay-TV,
consumer electronics industries and energy advocates announced a
Voluntary Agreement for Ongoing Improvement to the Energy Efficiency of
Set-Top Boxes (Agreement).\2\ The Agreement established a five-year
written commitment to continue improvements in the energy efficiency of
STBs used in the distribution of digital video signals. Under the terms
of the Agreement, it is predicted that consumers will realize
significant annual residential electricity savings. DOE encourages the
development of market-based solutions, such as the Agreement, that are
a result of a consensus among and including all relevant parties. DOE
also recognizes that there are multiple paths forward to ensure that
the maximum economic benefits and energy savings occur through
increasing the efficiency of STBs. DOE believes that the Agreement has
the potential to achieve significant energy savings in STBs. Thus, in
light of the newly adopted Agreement, DOE withdraws its proposed test
procedure for STBs. DOE notes that it will continue to monitor the STB
market closely and would consider reinitiating the rulemaking if it was
found that the energy efficiency gains for STBs and consumer savings
envisioned in the Agreement were not being realized.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ http://www.ncta.com/energyagreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
By separate action published elsewhere in today's Federal Register,
DOE is withdrawing its proposed rule to determine STBs as a covered
product.
IV. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this
withdrawal.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2013.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2013-31264 Filed 12-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P