RIN Data

DOE/EE RIN: 1904-AC04 Publication ID: 2012 
Title: Energy Efficiency Standards for Distribution Transformers 
Abstract: The current distribution transformer efficiency standards for medium-voltage-transformers apply to transformers manufactured or imported on or after January 1, 2010, and to low-voltage, dry type transformers manufactured or imported on or after January 1, 2007. As a result of a settlement agreement, DOE agreed to conduct a review of the standards for liquid-immersed and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers to determine if, pursuant to EPCA. the standards for these products need to be amended. As a result of the review, DOE published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking which included new proposed standards for these products as well as low-voltage, dry-type transformers. Under the settlement agreement, DOE is obligated to publish in the Federal Register, no later than October 1, 2012, a final rule including any amendments to the standards for liquid-immersed and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. 
Agency: Department of Energy(DOE)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda   Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 10 CFR 431   
Legal Authority: 42 USC 6317(a)    42 USC 6313(a)(6)(C)   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Judicial    10/01/2012 
Other  Judicial  Determination or NOPR  10/01/2011 

Statement of Need: EPAC requires minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances, which has the effect of eliminating inefficient appliances and equipment from the market.

Summary of the Legal Basis: 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. DOE published a final rule in October 2007 that established energy conservation standards for liquid-immersed and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. 72 FR 58190 (October 12, 2007); see 10 CFR 431.196(b)-(c). During the course of that rulemaking, EPACT 2005, Public Law 109–58, amended EPCA to set standards for low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. (EPACT 2005, section 135(c); codified at 42 U.S.C. 6295(y)) Consequently, DOE removed these transformers from the scope of that rulemaking. 72 FR 58191. Prior to publishing the energy conservation standard, DOE published a final rule test procedure for distribution transformers on April 27, 2006. 71 FR 24972; see appendix A to subpart K of 10 CFR 431. DOE is currently conducting a rulemaking to review and amend the energy conservation standards in effect for distribution transformers. This new rulemaking includes liquid-immersed, medium-voltage dry-type, and low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. On July 29, 2011, DOE gave notice that it intends to establish a negotiated rulemaking subcommittee under the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee (ERAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act(NRA) to negotiate proposed Federal standards for the energy efficiency of liquid-immersed and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. 77 FR 4547. On August 12, 2011, DOE gave notice that it intends to establish a negotiated rulemaking subcommittee under the ERAC in accordance with the FACA and the NRA to negotiate proposed Federal standards for the energy efficiency of low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. 76 FR 50148. ERAC subcommittees met several times from September to December 2011. Subcommittee members included manufacturers, utilities, and energy efficiency advocates. The medium-voltage subcommittee reached consensus on standards for medium-voltage, dry-type distribution transformers, but consensus was not reached for the two other transformer types. DOE's February publication of the proposed rule for energy conservation standards for liquid-immersed, medium-voltage dry-type, and low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers fulfills DOE's obligation under a court order. 77 FR 7282 (February 10, 2011).

Alternatives: The statute requires DOE to conduct rulemakings to review standards and to revise standards to achieve the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that the Secretary determines is technologically feasible and economically justified. In making this determination, DOE conducts a thorough analysis of the alternative standard levels, including the existing standard, based on the criteria specified by the statute.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: DOE believes that the benefits to the Nation of the proposed energy standards for distribution transformers (such as energy savings, consumer average lifecycle cost savings, an increase in national net present value, and emission reductions) outweigh the burdens (such as loss of industry net present value). DOE estimates that energy savings from electricity will be 1.58 quads over 30 years and the benefit to the Nation will be between $2.9 billion and $12.1 billion.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Notice: Public Meeting; Preliminary Technical Support Document Availability  03/02/2011  76 FR 11396   
Comment Period End  04/18/2011    
Notice of Intent to Negotiate NPRM for MVDT  07/29/2011  76 FR 45471   
MVDT NOI Comment Period End  08/15/2011 
Notice of Intent to Negotiate NOPR for LVDT  08/12/2011  76 FR 50148   
LVDT NOI Comment Period End  08/20/2011 
Notice of Public Meeting of Working Group  09/09/2011  76 FR 55834   
NPRM  02/10/2012  77 FR 7282   
NPRM Correction  02/24/2012  77 FR 10997   
NPRM Comment Period End  04/10/2012    
Comment Period End  06/29/2012 
Final Action  12/00/2012 
Additional Information: RIN 1904-AC62 was merged into this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Information URL: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/commercial/distribution_transformers.html   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Related RINs: Merged with 1904-AC62 
Agency Contact:
James Raba
Office of Building Technologies Program, EE-5B
Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585
Phone:202 586-8654
Email: jim.raba@ee.doe.gov