Federal Register #2026-11971

DOE Request for Information on Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking industry and stakeholder input on energy conservation standards for distribution transformers. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Scope of Request: - Information and data on the impact of new energy conservation standards for distribution transformers (10 CFR Part 431) - Focus on domestic manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and material availability (especially grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) and amorphous alloy) - Input on potential hardships, investment needs, and market conditions related to compliance - Request for quantitative data on production capacity, supply chain risks, procurement practices, and domestic content - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors named - References to domestic manufacturers of GOES and amorphous alloy - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products or part numbers listed - Request for information and data submission regarding distribution transformer standards - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on national defense, domestic supply chain constraints, and the need for market insights - Interest in understanding the impact of standards adopted in the April 2024 final rule (compliance required in 2029) - Focus on whether revised standards create special hardship, inequity, or unfair burden on manufacturers

Description

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is requesting information and data to understand how the energy conservation standards for distribution transformers, adopted in an April 2024 final rule with compliance required in 2029, interact with national security considerations. This includes impacts on domestic manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience, and the availability and cost of key materials. DOE is also seeking information on whether the revised standards result in special hardship, inequity, or unfair distribution of burdens, including investment needs and market conditions associated with redesigning equipment to comply by the 2029 compliance date. The request is in response to a Presidential determination that found grid infrastructure supply chains essential to national defense and facing critical constraints.

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