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ASAP

Distribution Transformers

Last updated: July 2007
See the federal standards main page for current status.

Distribution transformers are the metal boxes and cylinders found on utility poles across the nation that serve the important function of reducing voltage of electricity so that it can be used by customers in their homes and businesses. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) began to evaluate efficiency standards for transformers in 2005. Transformers are a big opportunity for savings; small technical improvements would save an estiamted 26 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, electricity that is wasted before it ever reaches customers. Nationwide, this savings would spare 15 million metric tons of power plant emissions.

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

Press Release
New Electric Distribution Transformer Standards Improve on Earlier Proposal, But Fall Short of Utility Industry and Environmental Groups’ Recommendation
October 12, 2007

Press Release
Transformer Manufacturer Announces Support for Efficiency Standard - Boosting Proposal Being Considered by the U.S. Department of Energy
July 17, 2007

Press Release
Utilities, Efficiency and Environmental Groups Join to Propose New Efficiency Standard for Electric Transformers
February 20, 2007

Press Release
Major Utilities Call on Energy Department to Strengthen Energy-Saving Transformer Standards
September 26, 2006

Press Release
Nation Sizzles; DOE Fizzles: Weak Proposed Efficiency Standard Would Fail to Prevent Blackouts, Cost Consumers $1.7 Billion
August 4, 2006

Fact Sheet
Distribution Transformer Efficiency Standards: What's At Stake?
September, 2004

Report
ASAP's 2004 Report Including Distribution Transformer Standards
September, 2004