The Consortium for Energy Efficiency and a wide array of sponsors rolled out the Motor Decisions Matter^SM campaign on June 25, 2001, at the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) Convention in Chicago.

Motor Decisions Matter promotes system efficiency by encouraging industrial and commercial customers to evaluate their motor repair and replacement options and to develop a motor management plan before motors fail.

For a summary of Motor Decisions Matter, see the MDM slide presentation.

In this campaign, CEE members are partnering with industry stakeholders such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), EASA, the Copper Development Association and Baldor Motors & Drives. CEE acts as an umbrella organization and facilitator for the campaign.

For replacement motors, Motor Decisions Matter is recommending NEMA Premium. On June 20, 2001, NEMA and CEE agreed to co-promote these new specifcations for premium-efficiency motors.

Motor energy costs can exceed $1 million annually in large industrial plants; in steel plants it can exceed $6 million. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, greater attention to motor system management can reduce these costs by 18 percent.