– DOE’s final energy efficiency standards compromise with industry by allowing distribution transformers to use grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) instead of amorphous steel cores
– Compliance deadlines for the new standards extended to five years to give manufacturers more time to adjust to the changes
– The new standards aim to reduce energy losses in liquid-immersed, low-voltage dry-type, and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers by specific percentage-based energy efficiency standards.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s final energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers aim to reduce losses in three types of transformers through specific energy efficiency standards. The final rule allows 75% of distribution transformer cores to rely on grain-oriented electrical steel, as opposed to the originally proposed 90% requirement for amorphous steel cores. Compliance deadlines have been extended to five years to allow manufacturers more time to update their facilities. The total conversion costs for the industry to meet the new standards are projected to be significant, but the energy savings are expected to be substantial.
The final rules were developed after consultation with industry stakeholders and an evaluation of technology options to determine economic and technological feasibility. The Department of Energy concluded that the standards represent the maximum improvement in energy efficiency possible and would result in significant energy conservation. The final rule seeks to strike a balance between enhancing energy efficiency, promoting domestic production, and minimizing the burden on industry.
While the new rule has received largely positive feedback from industry groups, some criticism has been raised, particularly around the delay in implementing higher efficiency standards and concerns about the reliance on foreign electrical steel imports. Overall, the final rule aims to improve energy efficiency in distribution transformers while ensuring a stable supply chain and considering the economic impacts on both consumers and manufacturers.