The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a pre-publication Federal Register notice initiating a data collection process through its request for information (RFI), to consider whether to amend DOE's current test procedure for consumer water heaters and residential-duty commercial water heaters. DOE seeks data and information pertinent to whether amended test procedures would more accurately or fully comply with the requirement that the test procedure produces results that measure energy use during a representative average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct.

DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this RFI until 45 days after the notice has published in the Federal Register. DOE will send an email to announce the closing date once the notice has published. Interested persons may submit comments identified by docket number EERE–2019–BT–TP–0032, by email (WaterHeaters2019TP0032@ee.doe.gov), Federal eRulemaking portal (www.regulations.gov) postal mail, or hand delivery/courier.

Frequently Asked Questions on the request for information pertaining to water heaters are available on the DOE website. More product information for water heaters is also available on the DOE website.