Revised DOE Process Rule anticipated in Q1 2020

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Process Rule addresses energy-efficiency standards and test procedures for commercial equipment covered by ASHRAE Standard 90.1.

Last updated in Nov. 2010, DOE is evaluating streamlining and modernizing the Process Rule to determine whether new energy-savings standards are necessary. To do so, it issued a proposed Process Rule that NAFEM commented on individually and as part of a consortium with the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM); the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA); Heating, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI); and the American Lighting Association (ALA).

The comment period for the Proposed Rule closed in April and DOE reports receiving more than 47,000 comments. As a result, Jeff Longsworth, NAFEM legal counsel, Barnes and Thornburg, expects it will be Q1 2020 before DOE issues a revised draft. Due to the volume of comments received, DOE’s pending review of test procedures for some commercial foodservice equipment may be delayed.