Tier 1 ecodesign requirements have been in place since 1 October 2019 for small, medium and large power transformers in the UK. The Tier 2 requirements have higher minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) than the former Tier 1 requirements, and came into force on 1 July 2021. All new power transformers must be compliant with the minimum requirements set out in Tier 2 from 1 July 2021.
If the cost of installation is found to be disproportionate to the stakeholder, regulatory relief may apply and a Tier 1 (or lower) transformer can be installed.
BEIS and the OPSS have designed a regulatory relief tool to determine whether the costs of installing Tier 2 transformers are disproportionate and whether regulatory relief might apply. They have provided guidance on the use of the tool and how OPSS notification process works.
Source: BEIS and OPSS.