The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has released an important advisory to all manufacturers and permittees of Distribution Transformers on 5 November 2026. The advisory mentions a number of important provisions regarding implementation of revised Star Rating norms and treatment of existing purchase orders under the current Star Rating norms.
As regards the implementation of the revised Star Rating norms for Distribution Transformers, from 1 January 2027, the BEE has clarified the conditions under which manufacturers and suppliers can complete existing orders and continue supplying Distribution Transformers under the erstwhile Star Rating norms.
Manufacturers, permittees and procuring utilities are advised to note these provisions to ensure seamless compliance and to avoid legal and contractual issues.
1. Background of the BEE Advisory
The advisory with reference number BEE/S&L/DT/01/2025-26, has been issued with reference to the Ministry of Power Notification S.O. 5967(E), dated 23 December 2025.
According to the Notification, the revised Star Rating requirements for Distribution Transformers will come into force from 1st January 2027.
The advisory clarifies the arrangements with respect to the manufacturers and suppliers, who have received purchase orders with respect to the existing Star Ratings.
2. Key Instructions Issued by BEE
BEE has outlined the following important instructions:
A. Effective Date of Revised Star Rating Requirements
The revised Star Rating requirements for Distribution Transformers will come into effect from:
1 January 2027
Manufacturers and permittees should accordingly prepare for the transition and ensure that their manufacturing and compliance processes are aligned with the revised requirements.
B. Treatment of Existing Purchase Orders
Manufacturers who have received purchase orders up to 31 December 2026 under the existing Star Rating requirements may, through mutual agreement between manufacturers/suppliers and purchasers, proceed with the execution of such orders in accordance with their existing contractual terms, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
However, BEE has specified that manufacturing under this advisory must be completed on or before:
31 December 2027
This provision is particularly relevant for manufacturers and suppliers managing ongoing contractual commitments under the existing Star Rating framework.
C. Submission of Details for Remaining Supplies
Manufacturers and permittees intending to continue supplying the remaining quantities of Distribution Transformers for which a Letter of Approval (LOA) has been issued up to 31 December 2026 under the existing Star Rating requirements must submit the prescribed details to BEE.
The submission must include:
- Details as specified in Annexure-A of the advisory.
- Copies of the relevant Letter of Award (LOA) or purchase orders.
- Previously issued BEE model approval letters.
Manufacturers should ensure that the information submitted is accurate and supported by the required documentation.
3. Annexure-A: Information Required from Manufacturers
BEE has prescribed Annexure-A for manufacturers and permittees seeking consideration for supplies against existing purchase orders placed before 1 January 2027.
The prescribed format requires the following information:
- Serial Number
- Manufacturer/Permittee/Brand
- Application ID
- Model Number
- Existing Star Rating
- Rated Capacity (kVA)
- Purchaser/Utility
- Copy of LOA/Purchase Order
- Total Order Quantity
- Quantity Supplied/Delivered
- Balance Quantity to be Supplied
- Expected Delivery Date
- Remarks
Manufacturers must complete the information separately for each model and purchase order.
The prescribed declaration must also be completed by an authorised representative of the firm, along with the firm's name, designation, signature and official seal.
4. Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Procuring Utilities
BEE has advised all manufacturers, permittees and procuring utilities to take note of the instructions and ensure compliance with the applicable provisions.
Manufacturers should particularly focus on:
- Reviewing all existing purchase orders received up to 31 December 2026.
- Identifying Distribution Transformer models covered under the existing Star Rating requirements.
- Maintaining copies of relevant LOAs and purchase orders.
- Preparing model-wise information in the prescribed Annexure-A format.
- Maintaining previously issued BEE model approval letters.
- Planning manufacturing schedules to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline.
- Coordinating with purchasers regarding the execution of existing contractual commitments.
Timely documentation and proper coordination will be important for manufacturers seeking to continue supplies under the provisions of this advisory.
5. Important Compliance Dates at a Glance
| Particulars | Important Date |
| BEE Advisory Issued | 5 November 2026 |
| Ministry of Power Notification Reference | S.O. 5967(E), dated 23 December 2025 |
| Last date for purchase orders under existing requirements | 31 December 2026 |
| Implementation of revised Star Rating requirements | 1 January 2027 |
| Final date for completion of manufacturing under this advisory | 31 December 2027 |
6. How Will This Advisory Impact Distribution Transformer Manufacturers?
This provides clarity to manufacturers and permittees on the transition from existing to revised Star Rating requirements.
Manufacturers with ongoing purchase orders can implement the requirements as per the conditions specified by BEE and as permitted by the applicable laws and regulations.
Preparations to meet the requirements effective from 1 January 2027, also need to be undertaken.
The requirement to submit model-wise details, purchase orders, LOAs and BEE approval letters, earlier granted, illustrates the importance of retaining required compliance documentation.
Manufacturers should not delay their review of existing purchase orders and preparation of information required in Annexure-A.
7. Conclusion
The BEE Advisory dated 5 November 2026 contains important information for manufacturers of Distribution Transformers, permitees, and procuring utilities in the context of the revised Star Rating requirements, which come into effect on 1 January 2027.
As stated in the advisory, permits and existing purchase orders will be honored and transformer manufacturing can continue, under the terms described in the advisory, up to 31 December 2027.
Stakeholders must review the advisory, review their contracts and obligations, retain relevant documents and submit them as required.
Manufacturers must ensure that they comply with regulations and provide the required documentation in a timely manner to adjust to the new Distribution Transformer Star Rating requirements.
