Distribution transformers, early 2024: NREL
NREL found utilities facing distribution transformer lead times of up to two years, four times pre-2022 levels, with prices up four to nine times in three years.
Up to two years (4x pre-2022) Distribution, all · Feb 2024 · US
“The study found that utilities are experiencing extended lead times for transformers of up to two years (a fourfold increase on pre-2022 lead times) and reporting price increases by as much as four to nine times in the past 3 years.”
The record
Field definitions- Class on the chart
- Distribution transformers, all types including pole-mount
- Transformer type
- Distribution transformer
- Size / class
- Distribution
- Region
- US
- As of
- 2024-02
- Lead time as stated
- Up to two years (4x pre-2022)
- Price baseline
- Prices up 4x to 9x over the prior 3 years (multiplier, not percent)
- Publisher
- NREL (via pv magazine USA)
- Original source
- NREL, Major Drivers of Long-Term Distribution Transformer Demand (2024)
- Source type
- government-lab
- Verified
Sources
Cite this reading
NREL (via pv magazine USA), as compiled by Transformer Lead Times: “Distribution transformers, early 2024: NREL”. https://transformerleadtimes.com/nrel-distribution-2024/ (accessed 9 Nov 2026).
CC BY 4.0. Quote the original publisher; link this page for the dated record.
Other distribution, all readings
Filter the table| As of | Reading | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2024 | As long as two years for single- and three-phase pad-mount units Pad-mounted distribution transformer | Latitude Media (ERMCO CEO Tim Mills) |
| 2024 | Over two years (vs three months in 2018) Distribution transformer | American Public Power Association |
| 2023 | 12 months or more (vs three months in 2018) Distribution transformer | American Public Power Association |
| 2022 | About 12 months average; some quotes over three years; +429% vs pre-2021 Distribution transformer | American Public Power Association |
| 2020 | About two to three months pre-2021 Distribution transformer | American Public Power Association |
| 2018 | 12–14 weeks Distribution transformer | Latitude Media (Catalyst podcast, ERMCO CEO Tim Mills) |