Working with the Motor Decisions Matter (MDM) Campaign, CEE member MidAmerican Energy hosted a motor management workshop on November 6, 2008, in Moline, Illinois. Over 50 customers, utility account representatives, motor distributors, and motor service centers attended the workshop to learn about MidAmerican program offerings, which were new to Illinois, as well as the financial and performance benefits of sound motor management. The workshop was planned in coordination with the MDM Campaign, a national campaign managed by CEE and sponsored by a consortium of efficiency programs, motor manufacturers, motor service centers, trade associations, and government agencies.

The workshop was highly successful in reaching an appropriate audience with valuable information. In fact, two large manufacturing customers of MidAmerican asked for follow-up meetings to discuss energy saving opportunities. The MDM event piqued their interest in energy efficiency. “We’ve been trying to incorporate energy efficiency into their business practices. The MDM event opened their eyes and opened the door for discussion of potential energy efficiency projects with these customers. These contacts alone branded the MDM event a huge success,” exclaimed Dave Ahlberg of MidAmerican.

The workshop covered the basics of energy efficiency in industrial motors, motor management planning, and how to participate in MidAmerican efficiency programs for industrial motors. Rick Leuthauser, manager of energy efficiency at MidAmerican Energy and CEE Board treasurer, welcomed participants. The workshop featured a panel of speakers facilitated by Ted Jones (Industrial Program Principal, CEE) and including: Chris Roder (Regional Distribution Manager, GE Motors), George Flolo (General Manager, Flolo Corp., on behalf of EASA), Dave Ahlberg (Product Manager, MidAmerican Energy), and Kellem Emanuele (Industrial Program Manager, CEE). Through a mixture of presentations and discussion, the workshop provided an overview of life cycle costs, motor efficiency, and motor selection factors; motor management basics including why and how motor management can be a business asset; MDM tools and resources to get started; and the incentives available to facilitate taking action.

The reception following the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to network. Much like the diversity of speakers, those attending represented a diverse cross section of the motor industry, including industrial customers, motor sales and service centers, and other trade allies such as engineering and consulting firms. This industry cross-section approach to the MidAmerican workshop mirrored at the regional level the partnership infrastructure that the MDM Campaign has built at the national level. As one participant noted, it was a “successful, informative event.”

To learn more about the MidAmerican Workshop, the MDM Campaign, or how you can plan a similar workshop in your service area, contact Kellem Emanuele.

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