DOE Publishes Proposed Standards for Distribution Tranformers
August 08, 2006
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that proposed standards for distribution transformers were published in the Federal Register on August 4, 2006. The proposed standards for distribution transformers would result in significant energy savings, and underscore the Departments commitment to meet the rulemaking schedule established in the January 2006 Report to Congress. The proposed standards are now available for public review and comment.
Improving Americas energy efficiency is a cornerstone of this Administrations energy policy. If implemented, the energy savings from the proposed standards is expected to eliminate the need for approximately 11 new 400-megawatt (MW) power plants by 2038.
The Department estimates that the proposed standard levels for liquid-immersed and medium-voltage, dry-type distribution transformers will result in 2.4 quads of cumulative energy savings over 29 years (2010-2038). This amount is roughly equal to the total energy consumption of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2001. The Department looks forward to expediting and finalizing the rule after the public comment period.
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 established an energy conservation program for major household appliances. The National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978 amended EPCA to add Part C of Title III, which established an energy conservation program for certain industrial equipment. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 amended EPCA to add certain commercial equipment, including distribution transformers.
The Department of Energy continues to focus on increasing the transparency and speed of the standards rulemaking process, and aggressively meeting the rulemaking schedule established in the January 2006 Report to Congress. The Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program is part of DOEs Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and is responsible for managing test procedures and energy conservation standards for consumer products and commercial equipment. For more information on the Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program, visit our website.
