An Alliant Energy study about premium-efficiency motors in Iowa, presented at CEE’s June meeting, and a subsequent Motor Decisions Matter (MDM) session underscored the need for greater awareness of motor management by vendors, distributors and other motor service professionals.
Alliant motor study
In an afternoon breakout session, Alex Kisslinger of Iowa State University presented results of the Study of the Application and Distribution of Premium- Efficiency Motors in Iowa Industry.
The Alliant study, conducted by Iowa State’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), called attention to many of the barriers to motor management and the purchase of premium-efficiency motors:
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turnaround time and first cost are two of the primary drivers for motor decisions
- motor vendors are the primary source of information for customers
- the lack of availability of NEMA Premium® motors was a barrier to their wider spread adoption
- approximately 70 percent of motors in Iowa are being rewound
- a long turnaround time for repair can be a strong influence in the repair/replace decision
Nicole Healey of Alliant Energy had opened the session by presenting an overview of the company’s current motor programs.
One of the major barriers, said Healey, has been the lack of awareness by motor professionals in the service area. In addressing this issue, the program may be modified to include a stronger upstream component.
Among the session’s attendees, there was strong agreement that vendor education is a critical aspect of successful industrial motor programs.
MDM Open House
The next session was an MDM “Open House,” attended by Boston-area motor vendors as well as energy-efficiency program administrators. It was an opportunity for motor vendors and other allies to learn how helping customers implement sound motor management strategies can benefit their business.
CEE Industrial Program Manager Ilene Mason provided an overview of motor management as well as a practical look at four of the primary Motor Decisions Matter tools and resources, including:-
1-2-3 Approach to Motor Management
- Estimated Energy-Savings Chart
- MotorSlide Calculator
- Motor Planning Kit
In the discussion period that followed, it became apparent that many of the vendors were being exposed to these concepts for the first time.
Even among motor vendors who had participated in utility-sponsored rebate programs, many were not aware of the tools and resources that could help them sell more premium-efficiency motors and other motor management services – and thus increase their profits.
“Motor vendors and service professionals can be valuable allies in promoting the benefits of sound motor management to C&I customers,” said Mason.
“However, as the Alliant study and our own experiences at the MDM Open House show, vendors are often unaware of the benefits for their customers, such as energy savings and greater reliability. “Vendors are frequently unaware of the benefits for themselves, too, such as more effective marketing for higher-margin equipment.”
Following the Open House, there was a reception co-hosted by National Grid and NSTAR.
“Vendors appreciated the opportunity to meet their utility contacts face-to-face to discuss program specifics,” Mason said. “They also appreciated the chance to meet other participating vendors to explore mutually beneficial relationships.
“For example, there were some lighting and motor vendors who explored how to leverage their individual areas of expertise to jointly deliver a broader range of services to customers.
“CEE members appreciated the opportunity to meet with their counterparts from across the country as well as with vendors participating in local programs.”
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