2026-06-26 Comment response to the published Request for information

Potential technology note for appendix: PAG is aware of emerging transformer and conductor-insulation technologies that may be relevant to DOE’s evaluation of domestic manufacturing resilience, material substitution, thermal performance, overload tolerance, and transformer weight reduction. One example is ceramic-coated aluminum conductor technology using micro-arc oxidation / thermal-electrochemical oxidation methods. Public technical materials indicate potential advantages in heat resistance, dielectric performance, weight reduction, overload tolerance, short-circuit resistance, and fire safety. PAG does not recommend that DOE rely on unverified vendor claims. Rather, DOE should create a technology-validation pathway for transformer innovations that may reduce constrained-material dependence or improve domestic production resilience, including independent testing, utility demonstration, standards compatibility review, manufacturing-readiness assessment, and supply-chain verification. Neil P. Osnato Founder Persistence Analytics Group LLC National Security & Infrastructure Risk Analytics Demand Durability | Grid Stress | Load Integrity SAM.gov Registered Vendor UEI: D3VYU39H6DX9 CAGE: 19T34 neil@persistenceanalyticsgroup.com 609-464-9055 https://persistenceanalyticsgroup.com/