Contact: Mark Rodeffer, 202-507-4018, mrodeffer@aceee.org
Washington—Energy efficiency standards for certain electric motors announced by the Department of Energy (DOE) today will save American businesses up to $56 billion on utility bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 156 million metric tons over 30 years of sales, DOE estimates.
“Many manufacturers, commercial building owners, and family farms will see lower utility bills thanks to these standards,” said Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. “There is a wide range in the efficiency of new motors today, so ensuring all models use up-to-date technology will mean a big reduction in energy costs.”
The standards are based on a joint recommendation submitted to DOE in 2022 by motor manufacturers (represented by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association), efficiency advocates (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Appliance Standards Awareness Project, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance), and utilities (Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison).
The rule expands DOE’s current electric motor standards to include additional types of small, previously unregulated motors. Millions of these small motors are shipped every year for use in pumps, fans, compressors, and other applications.
The standards set the first efficiency requirements for split-phase, shaded pole, and permanent split capacitor motors between 0.25 and 3 horsepower and certain types of capacitor-start capacitor-run, capacitor-start induction-run, and polyphase motors between 0.25 and 3 horsepower. The standards will take effect in 2029.
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The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) advocates for appliance, equipment, and lighting standards that cut planet-warming emissions and other air pollution, save water, and reduce economic and environmental burdens for low- and moderate-income households. ASAP’s steering committee includes representatives from environmental and efficiency nonprofits, consumer groups, the utility sector, and state government.
