The U.S. Department of Energy will host a public meeting by webinar in February to consider its proposal to amend distribution transformers’ energy conservation standards.
The proposed new rule for distribution transformers “would strengthen grid resiliency, cut carbon emissions” and provide savings up to $15 billion, a Dec. 28 news release said. Distribution transformers change the voltage of electrical power, lowering the voltage so that it can be used by a customer. Electric utilities and commercial or industrial entities are the primary purchasers of distribution transformers.
“The Biden-Harris administration continues to use every means available to reduce America’s carbon footprint while strengthening our security posture and lowering energy costs,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said in the release. “Efficient distribution transformers enhance the resilience of our nation’s energy grid and make it possible to deliver affordable electrical power to consumers in every corner of America. By modernizing their energy-conservation standards, we’re ensuring that this critical component of our electricity system operates as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.”
If the proposed criteria are adopted, CO2 emissions in the U.S. would be reduced by 340 million metric tons over the next 30 years, the release said. The new regulation could go into effect in 2027, “if adopted within DOE’s proposed timeframe.”
The department will seek comment through the public meeting which will take place Feb. 16, according to the release.
