NEMA Premium Efficiency Transformers Gets an International Rollout

First we had NEMA Premium Motors -- electric motors that meet energy efficient specs that the Energy Department has embraced. Then we had NEMA Premium electronic ballasts for high efficiency lighting. And now we have NEMA Premium Efficiency Transformers.

That's because last week at its annual meeting in Toronto, the Edison Electric Institute announced the creation of a joint program between EEI and NEMA to procure and provide efficient distribution transformers ahead of the DOE 2010 mandate. Energy losses through the transmission and distribution of electricity have historically hovered in the 7% range -- a little less than half of which is due to less efficient transformers.

In an economic climate where energy costs continue rising, this new program represents yet another sensible measure by electrical manufacturers to squeeze more performance from our existing electrical system.