H.R. 4167 would prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from proposing or implementing any rule that, within five years of enactment, amends energy conservation standards for distribution transformers as specified in a final rule that took effect in June 2013. (A distribution transformer is a device that provides the final voltage transformation in the electric power system.) Under current law, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, authorizes DOE to regulate energy efficiency standards for various appliances and equipment, including distribution transformers.
CBO is unaware of any proposed rules related to distribution transformers that would affect the federal budget. In addition, CBO does not expect that the bill’s provisions would affect federal spending on programs related to distribution transformers, such as the Energy Efficient Transformer Rebates Program. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4167 would not affect the federal budget.
