US DOE asked to recall conservation standards for transformers
Over 60 House members have urged Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to withdraw the proposed rule on conservation standards for distribution transformers.
Image source: APPA
USA, Washington, D.C.: Over 60 House members have recently urged Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to withdraw the proposed rule to increase conservation standards for distribution transformers.
In December, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced in its notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) it was proposing new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers.
Since 2021, electric utilities have been communicating their issues with the procurement of distribution transformers to DOE, as noted in the letter the House members communicated to the DOE. They expressed their concern with the lead time for procurement of the distribution transformers, which would take approximately 16 months or longer. This would pose a serious problem, as electric utilities seek to boost the stability and resilience of the power grid and related critical infrastructure, especially against severe weather conditions.
The American Public Power Association has also stated that the efficiency standards proposed by DOE would worsen current distribution transformer supply shortages and, even if they are feasible, would impose significant costs on consumers.
“The efficiency standards included in the NOPR would likely exacerbate a supply shortfall that has already reached crisis levels, threatening electric reliability, economic development, and the ongoing transition to lower-emitting generating resources,” APPA argued in its March 27 comments to DOE regarding the NOPR.
Source: APPA
#American Public Power Association#distribution transformers#power supply#rulemaking#US Department of Energy#USA