Review of upcoming motor efficiency regulations in U.S.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must review efficiency standards every five years and make recommendations on changes. This paper will provide an update on current rules under study for 1 through 500 HP AC induction motors. The DOE is evaluating raising motor efficiency above premium levels by one to three NEMA efficiency bands. The motor industry feels that a better solution is to standardize on premium efficiency levels and broaden the scope of coverage to include many designs not presently covered. NEMA has formed a coalition with many energy advocates that also support the proposal. The paper will discuss the DOE rule making process, study and proposals and discuss the effect to motor users if they are adopted. The coalition proposal will be discussed showing that stabilizing at premium levels will provide the least impact to the end user. Motor regulations for Canada and Mexico generally follow what is adopted in the US. Europe and the rest of the world are also adopting Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS) but are lagging the US by a few years.