March/April 2005
MDM Meeting

Motor Decisions Matter’s 2005 work plan, updates from MDM sponsors, and ideas for potential motor management-related workshops were among the topics of discussion at the semi-annual MDM Sponsors’ Meeting.

 
  MDM Materials: A New Look for Old Favorites

MDM sponsors can now order two recently revised, promotional motor management pieces: the campaign’s tri-fold brochure and Motor Planning Kit.

 
  ASDs at CEE/ACEEE Market Transformation Symposium

As MDM considers how best to approach in adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) as an add-on to its core message, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency is also continuing to look at drives from a programmatic perspective.

 
  MDM Media Sightings

This list of recent media placements is intended as a resource for sponsors who are looking to incorporate MDM-related articles into their sales, marketing, and/or motor management awareness efforts.

 
 
 


Welcome to the March/April 2005 MDM Sponsor Update.

In this issue, you'll read about our highly productive MDM Sponsors’ Meeting in early March, two recently revised MDM materials now available, a session on drives at the ACEEE/CEE Market Transformation Symposium, and recent sightings of MDM in the press.

As always, feel free to contact me with story ideas, news items, and other information.

Warm regards,

Emily Dahl
MDM Communications Associate

NOTE: MDM has recently changed its process of emailing the newsletter. If you have previously unsubscribed, please contact me at edahl@cee1.org. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 
 

Sponsors Discuss Workshops, Future Endeavors

Motor Decisions Matter’s 2005 work plan, updates from MDM sponsors, and ideas for potential motor management-related workshops were among the topics of discussion at the semi-annual MDM Sponsors’ Meeting.

At the meeting, held on March 7 in Chicago, sponsors also discussed the campaign’s public relations efforts, along with newly revised educational materials that will be available through the campaign. Possible revisions to the 1-2-3 Approach to Motor Management were also covered, along with sponsors’ progress with assessments using the 1-2-3 Approach at four United Technologies facilities.

New sponsors MidAmerican Energy, Los Angeles Department of Water Power (LADWP), and BC Hydro were welcomed to the campaign.

For more complete coverage of each of these topics, see “Meeting Minutes,” available in the “Sponsors Only” section of the MDM Web site.

2005 Budget and Work Plan
An overview of the 2005 MDM budget by MDM Project manager Ilene Mason showed the campaign in good financial health. She reviewed proposed expenditures, including staffing allocations for the coming year, and reviewed the draft 2005 work plan for final approval during the meeting. Two new activities under consideration are expected to have a big impact on upcoming activities: the incorporation of ASDs into the campaign’s messaging and development of an “MDM Workshop.”

Opportunities through ENERGY STAR® Industrial Partners Program
John Malinowski of Baldor Electric recently gave a motor management presentation on an ENERGY STAR Industry Partners call. At the MDM meeting, he reported on this presentation and encouraged other MDM sponsors to leverage Energy Star’s Industrial Programs by becoming an Energy Star Industrial Partner and/or participating as a Service and Product Provider. The discussion expanded to include the importance of an educated and supportive atmosphere by corporate management and to other corporate energy management programs.

Public Relations and Revised Educational Materials
Emily Dahl updated the sponsors on 2004 public relations activities, which resulted in 42 articles, or more than 2.1 million impressions rendered. See MDM Media Sightings for details on recent media placements.

MDM recently received a report showing the titles and employers of people requesting materials from the DOE’s EERE Information Center (formerly the OIT Clearinghouse). Those requesting materials have often been CEOs, VPs, chief engineers, directors, or other managers, which indicates that MDM is reaching some of its target audience of senior-level decision-makers through the trade press and other communications channels.

MDM has joined the BusinessWire press release service for future nationwide and regional public relations efforts, and is exploring the effectiveness of regional press releases where appropriate.

Dahl spoke briefly about the new MDM trifold brochure and the thoroughly revised Motor Planning Kit. For a more detailed description, see MDM Materials: A New Look for Old Favorites.

1-2-3 Approach Update
Ilene Mason updated sponsors about 1-2-3 usage in the field, including an update on the United Technologies Corporation (UTC) pilot of the 1-2-3 Approach. UTC is using the 1-2-3 Approach as a tool for assessing motor management opportunities in four separate facilities (see meeting notes for details).

Dale Basso of Rockwell Automation noted that it is important to show the customer how the non-energy benefits of motor management (such as downtime reduction) can justify moving forward with projects even when electricity costs are very low. No formal case studies have been developed from the UTC projects.

Mason reported that NYSERDA’s field representatives have been using
1-2-3
extensively in their upstream program. They have provided some comments and suggestions about the tool, which will be discussed on conference calls.

MDM Workshop Session
Because a number of MDM sponsors have expressed interest in developing motor management workshops through MDM, a large portion of the afternoon was devoted to an exploration of potential workshop format, objectives, and target audience. Attendees discussed the types of workshops their organizations have run, and their levels of success with different workshop formats.

Eric Winkler, Director of Technical Services in the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ( CEERE) at the University of Massachusetts, described his experiences with Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Partnership (MAEEP) workshops. Winkler noted that MAEEP partners stress the importance of speaking face-to-face with workshop participants, rather than webcasts, because the level of engagement is higher in person. He explained some of the logistical and promotional details of hosting venues, along with how MAEEP has navigated the commercial and competitive issues that arise. He emphasized that offering continuing education credits that count towards professional accreditation is key to raise workshop attendance. For more details, please see the presentation posted on the MDM Web site.

Chris Cockrill of the Department of Energy made a proposal to the sponsors to develop a motor-management workshop and provided details about the support that DOE could provide. Specifically, DOE could assist the development of workshop content and materials, and help to organize and promote scheduled workshop sessions. Cockrill also offered cooperation and coordination with DOE’s regional offices.

There was insufficient time to determine whether MDM sponsors supported the use of campaign resources for developing a workshop and, if so, how an “MDM Workshop” might be structured. A follow-up conference call to continue the discussion was scheduled for March 31 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time.

 
 

MDM Materials: A New Look for Old Favorites

Newly Revised Tri-Fold Brochure and Motor Planning Kit

MDM sponsors can now order two recently revised, promotional motor management pieces: the campaign’s tri-fold brochure and Motor Planning Kit. By using these materials with customers and at conferences and tradeshows, sponsors can augment their own motor management messages with MDM’s non-commercial third-party voice.

MDM’s new tri-fold brochure, which features an updated list of sponsors and two brief case studies of recent motor management success stories, has already been ordered in large quantities by some sponsors.

“We plan to draft a cover letter to accompany the brochure and either hand-deliver or mail it to our key account customers,” said Dave Ahlberg, product manager for MidAmerican Energy. “The goal is to raise motor management awareness and get customers thinking what it might cost to lose a critical motor. A sound motor management plan not only delivers peace of mind, it saves money as well.”

David Brender, national program manager for the Copper Development Association, also plans to make extensive use of the brochure. “ The brochure makes a great marketing tool due to its compact size and high-level overview of motor management,” he said. “CDA plans to distribute it at trade shows at which we exhibit. We’ll also include it in mailed responses to requests for energy-efficiency literature.”

The newly revised Motor Planning Kit features:

  • updated charts that show the benefits of life-cycle costing
  • an expanded section on the building blocks of motor management
  • a tools and resources section for specific aspects of motor management
  • regional resources

The Kit also covers corporate energy management and additional considerations, such as motor selection and loading, adjustable-speed drives (ASDs), and motor system optimization. There is a corresponding section for ASD- and motor system-related tools and resources.

A PDF of the Kit is posted on the “Sponsors Only” section of the MDM Web site, and will be incorporated into the site in an HTML format as MDM makes upcoming site revisions.

To order the tri-fold brochure or the Motor Planning Kit, please contact Emily Dahl. Prices vary, and there are economies of scale in ordering larger quantities. Sponsors: check your email for a notice about current prices for the Kit.

 
 

ASDs at Market Transformation Symposium

As MDM considers how best to approach in adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) as an add-on to its core message, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency is also continuing to look at drives from a programmatic perspective.

Advancements in ASD technology and the implications of these advancements on efficiency program design and delivery were discussed at the ACEEE/CEE Market Transformation Symposium on March 15 in Washington, D.C.

Mike Offik of Rockwell Automation gave an overview of drive classifications, along with a look at North American drive market trends. Based on market research, Offik estimated current drive penetration into the market at 13 to 15 percent, and predicted this could grow to 16 to 18 percent by the end of the decade. Offik noted that the average cost per unit or cost per horsepower for drives is decreasing with technology improvements and increases in production volume.

Offik also discussed drive market segmentation, citing charts that showed HVAC systems as the top user of ASDs in today’s market, followed by the food and beverage industry. The highest penetration of drives to motors, however, is in the metals and mining industry, followed by rubber and plastics, and the pulp and paper industry.

Improved process control, less wear on equipment, and better power factor are some key benefits of drives, according to Offik, who added that drives avoid “sags” on the power distribution system when starting.

The roundtable meeting atmosphere fostered open discussion among participants, who agreed on the necessity of gathering information on the best drive applications. Several program administrators cited the dairy industry as one in which drive use was common and beneficial. Participants reiterated the need for careful system review when considering drive application. They also noted that many motors that were made five or more years ago are often not suitable for drives.

Shifting focus, Ted Jones of CEE discussed drives from an efficiency program perspective, using CEE’s National Summary of Energy-Efficiency Programs for Motors and Drives as a reference point. Jones explained that programs incorporating drives may include educational, financial, and/or technical assistance. He noted that new construction projects often present the best opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient designs and equipment, including drives. To view the comprehensive listing of motor- and drive-related programs, visit www.motorsmatter.org and click on the link to the Summary on the left-hand side of the home page.

 
 

MDM Media Sightings

This list of recent media placements is intended as a resource for sponsors who are looking to incorporate MDM-related articles into their sales, marketing, and/or motor management awareness efforts.

MDM has established relationships with a number of trade publication editors, and is receiving regular requests for story content. These editors also run MDM press releases frequently. In addition, Canadian editors have shown increased interest in running articles from MDM that are relevant for Canadian audiences.

The year is off to a strong start, and many thanks are due to sponsors who have made a point of referencing MDM when developing articles with editors. These references are always appreciated.

Please contact Emily Dahl with ideas for future articles, or for copies or information on these articles and/or press releases.

Below are MDM’s most recent media placements. In February, Electrical Apparatus and Plant Engineering each ran two MDM-related articles.


MARCH

  • Assembly Magazine: “Saving Energy on the Line”
    Article on manufacturers’ energy-saving practices, including motor management; interview with John Malinowski from Baldor; MDM listed as a reference.

FEBRUARY

  • Electrical Apparatus:
    “Associations, societies, & government activities: ‘L.A., Midwest utilities join Motor Decisions Matter’ ”
    Brief article on LADWP and MidAmerican Energy’s sponsorship.

    “Greater Efficiency for Competitiveness Abroad”
    Lengthy article on National Manufacturing Week; mentions MDM sessions at the conference. Also a press release, run by CNNMoney online.


  • Plant Engineering:
    “New products, new ideas take center stage”
    Article on National Manufacturing Week highlighting MDM sessions.

    “Launching a motor management program”
    Lengthy article; mention of MDM as a resource.

  • Plant Services: “Two energy companies join efficiency campaign”
    Abbreviated version of press release on LADWP and MidAmerican Energy’s sponsorship.
JANUARY
  • Product Design & Development (also online): “Q&A: High-Efficiency Motors”
    1p interview with David Brender of the Copper Development Association; MDM referenced in sidebar, “Noteworthy Facts About Motors.”
  • Times Citizen (twice-weekly Iowa newspaper): “MidAmerican Energy joins national energy efficiency effort”
    Article on MidAmerican Energy’s sponsorship.