Helpful Resources - Energy Legislation

UNITED STATES:

2007 Energy Independence and Security Act
On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, into law (Public Law 110-140). Section 313 includes new electric efficiency standards for motors. The law affects electric motor efficiency in three basic areas:

1. It raises the minimum efficiency level for 1-200 hp motors that are currently covered by EPAct 1992 to NEMA PREMIUM levels (NEMA MG Table 12-12), except for fire pump motors which remain at EPAct levels.


2. It sets new federal minimum standards for motors that were not covered by standards previously. The following motors in the 1-200 hp range must meet NEMA Energy Efficient levels (i.e. EPAct 1992, NEMA MG Table 12-11), including:
   
   
   • U-Frame motors
   • Design C motors
   • Close-coupled pump motors
   • Footless motors
   • Vertical solid shaft normal thrust motors (tested in a horizontal configuration)
   • An 8-pole motor (900 rpm)
   • Poly-phase motors of not more than 600 volts (other than 230 or 460 volts).
   
   
3. It creates a new federal minimum standards for NEMA design B motors, 201 to 500 hp at NEMA Energy Efficient levels (NEMA MG Table 12-11).

All of the motor types above that are manufactured or imported into the U.S. (alone or as a component of another piece of equipment) must meet the efficiency standards stated above 36 months after the law's enactment.

Additional information is also available from several sources:

Alliance to Save Energy
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Copper Development Association
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
U.S. Department of Energy Annual Standards Implementation Report
U.S. Department of Energy Electric Motors Conservation standards

CANADA:

On October 12, 2011, amendment 11 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations was published, increasing the stringency and/or scope for Canada's current minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for electric motors. The new regulations take effect April 12, 2012.

Visit Natural Resources Canada for more information.