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APGA Jointly Requests Extension Concerning Consumer Water Heaters NODA

By Sydney Novoa posted 08-15-2024 09:03 AM

  
On August 7, APGA jointly submitted a request for extension to the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new data availability on the energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters. APGA filed jointly with the American Gas Association (AGA), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), and Rinnai America Corporation, who is an APGA Associate Member. The joint commenters requested that DOE extend the public comment period by 30 days in this proceeding. An extension would allow commenters to sufficiently analyze the notice of data availability (NODA) and the related documents, which appear to incorporate new data and to use new methodologies and reach different results than the previously issued notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR). 
 
Previously, on April 30, DOE finalized the energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters and chose to not set standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters at that time. This final standard was positive, since APGA’s comments predominantly argued against DOE’s proposal to set a condensing-only standard for certain gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, commonly referred to as tankless water heaters. However, this NODA could be another attempt to set a condensing-only standard for certain gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. 
 
On July 23, DOE published the NODA pertaining to energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters, specifically gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. DOE will accept comments regarding the updated analysis included in the NODA until August 22. If joint commenters are granted a 30-day extension, comments would be accepted until September 21. 
 
To read the extension request, click here. 
 
APGA will continue to work on this issue and will inform members of any future actions by DOE concerning consumer water heaters. 
 
For questions on this article, please contact Sydney Novoa of APGA by phone at 202-464-0834 or email at snovoa@apga.org. 

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