Energy efficiency and electric motors: a technical, economic, and policy analysis of efficiency standards in commercial and industrial electric motors and equipment

This final report identifies areas of greatest energy conservation potential in electric motor use in the industrial and commercial sectors of the economy; assesses and projects the technological potential and economic trends that might influence the use of more efficient electric motors; and outlines possible Government strategies encouraging such use. It reports that the 1- to 125-hp polyphase motors were the predominant energy consumers, accounting for about 26 percent of the total electric power generated in the U.S. Estimates of their potential for increased efficiency, coupled with possible replacement rates of lower- to higher-efficiency motors, indicated potential savings by 1990 of 35 billion kWh/year or 60 million barrels of oil.