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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Distribution Transformers

This page describes rulemaking activities and regulations regarding energy efficiency, test procedures, and compliance and enforcement for certain distribution transformers.

Statutory Authority

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (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.

Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking

The U.S. Department of Energy (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, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), Pub. L. 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 at 58191 (October 12, 2007). Prior to publishing the energy conservation standard, DOE published a final rule test procedure for distribution transformers on April 27, 2006. 71 FR at 24972 (April 27, 2006); see Appendix A to Subpart K of 10 CFR 431.

DOE has initiated a new 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. In this rulemaking, DOE is also clarifying the current test procedure for distribution transformers. After reviewing comments, DOE may initiate a new test procedure rulemaking.

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. Energy Efficiency Standards for Distribution Transformers: Notice of Intent To Negotiate Proposed Rule, Federal Register, July 29, 2011.

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. Notice of Intent to Negotiate Proposed Rule on Energy Efficiency Standards for Distribution Transformers, August 12, 2011. Also, please note that the docket number for this notice is EERE-2011-BT-STD-0051.

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 to publish proposed standards by February 1, 2012.

On this page you will find information on these rulemakings, other documentation, and materials associated with the prior energy conservation standards rulemaking and test procedure rulemaking.

Proposed Rulemaking

After a regulatory action has been issued, Section 6(a)(3)(E) of EO 12866 requires agencies to identify in a complete, clear, and simple manner, the substantive changes between the draft submitted to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review and the action subsequently announced, and identify those changes in the regulatory action that were made at the suggestion or recommendation of OIRA. The documents at the links below are intended to comply with this requirement.


Negotiated Rulemaking Activity


Preliminary Analysis


Previous Rulemakings


Test Procedure


Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements

The Department published a Final Rule on January 5, 2010, which adopts regulations to implement reporting requirements for energy conservation standards and energy use. The Final Rule also addresses other matters concerning compliance, certification and enforcement procedures. The Department published a Technical Amendment on January 28, 2010 that corrects cross-referencing errors in the final rule.


Contact Information

James Raba
Project Manager
(202) 586-8654