The aims of the project are threefold; i) to analyze enablers for and barriers to introducing or raising mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for distribution transformers (DTs) in individual APEC member economies; ii) to review the experience, successes and failures of current Energy Efficiency Standards & Labels (EESLs) programs for DTs and identify the best practices across the APEC member economies; and iii) to provide a strategic framework for developing national roadmaps for introducing or raising mandatory MEPS for DTs and the design and implementation of such programs. International Energy Agency (IEA) data states that in APEC economies, the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses varied from 2.8% to 15.6% of final consumption. A third of these losses took place in DTs, which constituted a crucial component of the electricity supply system. Therefore, DTs represent a high potential for energy and cost savings in the APEC member economies.

Currently, in the APEC region, the development of standards and labeling (S&L) for DTs is not following a uniform pattern. Some member economies, like the US, Vietnam and Australia, have developed MEPS and/or labels to reduce energy consumption of DTs. These MEPS were made mandatory by certain mandated governmental organizations. Several other member economies have not yet established any S&L. The full report presents a qualitative analysis of the enablers and barriers to introducing or raising mandatory MEPS in the field of DTs by describing the successes and failures of each economy in the APEC region. In the overall analysis, the focus is upon DTs in electrical networks managed by utilities.

The report offers detailed recommendations on setting up a national strategic framework for developing roadmaps in the following areas:

• Communication
• Compliance-checking and Enforcement
• Databases of approved products
• National Capacity-building
• Support to Manufacturers

The report also offers Australia’s model as a best practice example showing how to introduce or raise the level of MEPS.