Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 1:53 PM 

To: Cohen, Daniel 

Cc: Raba, Jim; Grace-Tardy, Ami; Chris Bolduc (cabolduc@lbl.gov); Brian Coffey; Michael Rivest; 

Cymbalsky, John 

Subject: Re: Wednesday's Meeting 

Hi Dan, 

I think we're all caught up on answers to my questions. Thanks for your willingness to help. 

I spoke with Chris Bolduc yesterday, who provided the answers to my technical questions about 

the model logic and results. At Chris's request, I provided Jim with an email summary. 

I also received an email from Brian Coffey on which Jim was also copied. I spoke with Brian 

after receiving the email and he elaborated on his response. 

There does appear to be some discrepancy in DOE's data, as reflected in my initial email to Jim. 

Discrepancies notwithstanding, I was assured that DOE does not now have any more current 

information, and is unlikely to develop more in time to meet the June 29, 2012 deadline for 

comments. I believe that I have sufficient information and understanding to provide helpful 

comments consistent with DOE's deadline. 

With respect to my observation to you (email below), I would encourage you to extend coverage 

to wind step-up transformers, for enforcement reasons. They are easily substitutable for 

distribution transformers of comparable size that appear to represent 15-20% of the applicable 

covered market. 

Regards,

Bob

Robert A. Berman, Principal

Berman Economics

www.BermanEconomics.com

1915 Grand Court

Vienna, VA 22182

703‐281‐0490

703‐655‐8398 (cell)

BermanEconomics@gmail.com

On Jun 26, 2012, at 12:42 PM, Cohen, Daniel wrote: 
Bob, Thanks for your question; sorry I had not yet responded. I know you have asked questions 

of a number of folks and may not have gotten answers yet from all. Can you please send to Jim 

Raba a compilation of your questions and we will provide a coordinated response. Thanks,

Dan

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From: Robert Berman [mailto:Berman.Economics@gmail.com] 

Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 1:27 PM 

To: Cohen, Daniel 

Subject: Wednesday's Meeting

 

Hi Dan, 

 

Cudos to the team for largely keeping Wednesday's meeting focused on the narrow questions 

DOE needed to address. The intensity of opinions be several stakeholders presented the team 

with a challenge that they were clearly prepared for and handled well. 

 

Ever the economist / entrepreneur, I did have a question about transformers not covered -- 

specifically step-up transformers for wind generation. As I mentioned Wednesday, these could 

easily be used on secondary distribution systems. Since the purchaser of an "appliance", covered 

or otherwise, is free to do as he wishes after purchase (under DOE regulations), could Berman & 

Cohen Transformers, Inc buy wind step-up transformers (that would not comply with DOE 

MEPS if manufactured as distribution transformers), and rebrand / resell them as distribution 

transformers? 

Regards,

 

Bob

Robert A. Berman, Principal

Berman Economics

www.BermanEconomics.com

1915 Grand Court

Vienna, VA 22182

703‐281‐0490

703‐655‐8398 (cell)

BermanEconomics@gmail.com