Energy Policy Act of 1992 | Summary of Requirements | Motor Product Standards | The Department of Energy (DOE) office of Codes and Standards has the responsibility for clarifying the intent of the EPACT, as well as administering and ruling on the motor standards. Reliance is working closely with the DOE, individually and through NEMA as these standards are being developed. 1.1 Covered Equipment The standards in the Energy Policy Act apply to any motor manufactured or imported (whether sold separate or as a component of another piece of equipment). 1.2 Motor Definition (Regulated Products) General purpose; T–Frame, single speed, Squirrel cage Induction motor, 230/460 V, Design A or B, continuous rated, 60HZ, from 1 to 200HP - 2 , 4 & 6 pole, Open & Enclosed. 1.3 Small Electric Motors The act gives DOE authority to prescribe energy efficiency standards, testing procedures and labeling requirements for small motors. Standards that the DOE determines would be technically feasible, economically justified and would result in significant energy savings. The standards will be in effect 5 years after being prescribed by the DOE or 7 years later if the motors require listing or certification by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 1.4 Efficiency Standards These are defined as nominal full load efficiencies or the average efficiency of a population of motors of duplicate design. The efficiency standard levels are the same as those in NEMA table 12-6C for open and enclosed motors 2, 4, & 6 pole. 1.5 Standards Effective Dates 60 months after enactment. Motors manufactured after Oct 24 1997, or if National certification by a safety testing lab is required, (eg.UL), Oct 24 1999. 1.6 Labeling A DOE approved "Mark" or symbol representing that a motor meets the standards will need to be affixed to the motor as part of the nameplate or a separate tag. The symbol will also be applied to shipping containers and in catalogs. In addition, some form of "energy consumption", such as kilowatt-hours per year, may be required on packaging and in catalogs. 1.7 Exemptions The efficiency standards do not apply to Definite purpose motors, special purpose motors or motors determined by the DOE not to be technically feasible or economically justified to meet the efficiency standards. The definition for definite purpose and special purpose motors will also be developed and ruled on by the DOE. The rule making criteria for establishing standards requires the DOE to conduct a cost/benefit analysis. If the additional purchase cost to the consumer is less than three times the value of energy saved during the first year, then the standard is presumed economically justified. Manufacturers will have to petition the DOE for exemption if they wish to exclude certain products from meeting the definition of regulated products. Once the DOE establishes the petitioning process, manufacturers will have one year to apply for exemption. 2.0 Requirements Imposed on Manufacturers and Importers 2.1 Certificate of Conformance Motor manufacturers will have to submit data showing compliance that will remain on file at the DOE. This may include a Compliance statement and a directory listing of models and efficiency. Suggestions have been made to base compliance on electrical designs rather than model numbers which include various mechanical variations which do not affect efficiency. 2.2 Testing Procedures IEEE Standard 112 Method B will be required after adoption by the DOE. 2.3 Testing Procedure Effective Date 180 days after publication of ruling by the DOE. These rulings will appear in the Federal Register. 2.4 Testing Facility Certification Manufacturers will be required under a rule to be adopted by the DOE, to certify , through an independent testing lab or certification program nationally recognized in the United States, that its facilities and methods meet the applicable standards. Any known commitment of a prohibited act is subject to a $100 penalty per violation. Prohibited acts include;
4.0 Utility Rebates and Tax Incentives The EPACT encourages investments in conservation and energy efficiency by electric utilities. This includes investment in demand side management or load management techniques which most often include incentives (rebates) for the use of energy efficient motors. Under the new law energy conservation subsidies (rebates) provided to industrial and commercial customers will be partially tax free, beginning in 1995, 40 percent of the value of the subsidy will be tax-free; in 1996 the rate increases to 50 percent; and after 1996 the rate increases to 65 percent. Document number B-136
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