Market Actor Perspectives on ENERGY STAR^®/NEMA TP-1 Distribution Transformers in New York State: A Baseline Study

Christine Egan, Elizabeth Brown, and Margaret Suozzo

February 2001

Abstract

This report presents our approach and findings on the baseline knowledge and awareness of energy-efficient transformers among New York State's market actors. It was conducted as part of a larger project being implemented by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, The Cadmus Group, and ICF Consulting for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In the winter of 2000, we surveyed electrical distributors, design firms, electrical contractors, and manufacturers to assess their level of knowledge and awareness of a variety of distribution transformers, including NEMA TP-1/ENERGY STAR transformers. The results indicate that familiarity and direct experience with energy-efficient transformers is lacking in every group, though to varying degrees. Following from this, market actors also exhibited considerable confusion about the appropriate type of transformer to recommend when energy efficiency is desired. Survey respondents by and large perceived that high initial cost and long lead times are the greatest barriers to increased market penetration of energy-efficient transformers. These findings generally support the market interventions planned under the NYSERDA Energy Smart^sm Transformers program, but suggest some minor modifications in approach and emphasis. The surveys will be reimplemented in a year to assess market changes and measure program success.

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34 pp., 2001, $13.00, A012