Our Commitment to Supporting the
United States Energy Policy Act


In 1992, the president of the United States signed the U.S. Energy Policy Act into law. The goals of this legislation which is effective October 24, 1997 are to:

  • Improve the energy efficiency of electrical products
  • Provide all Americans with reasonably-priced energy
  • Reduce greenhouse emissions from power plants for cleaner air
  • Increase the competitiveness of the U.S. economy
  • Reduce U.S. dependence an unreliable energy resources

This Act establishes, and will continue to establish under the guidance of the U. S. Department of Energy, standards that encourage the development of new products and technologies that save energy. This effort includes:

  • Higher energy efficiency standards for electrical appliances and equipment (including electric motors).
  • Increased product research and development for new energy-saving electrical systems and technologies.
  • Programs to help electric utilities invest in energy conservation and efficiency.
  • New standards and incentives to increase the energy efficiency of buildings.
  • Assessments of energy efficiency in industrial facilities and incentives to promote improvements.
  • Research into environmentally neutral alternative fuels and renewable energy resources.

What We Have Done, and What We
are Doing to Help All Americans
Reduce Energy Consumption

Development of Energy Efficient
Standards

In 1977, Reliance Electric supported and encouraged NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) energy-efficient labeling efforts at a time when there were no standards. This commitment was again evident in the early 1990s when Reliance Electric represented and supported NEMA and the U.S. Department of Energy in developing meaningful standards for energy efficient motors. These standards are included in the Energy Policy Act.

Our nation’s industries can save $13 billion annually in energy costs simply by
increasing the efficiency of their motor systems by the year 2010. This savings
would result in dramatically improved competitiveness for industry
and a reduction of 44 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions for the nation.
How can we get there? Through the motor challenge.

Secretary Hazel R. O’Leary,
U.S. Department of Energy


Motor Challenge Program

Reliance Electric became a Charter Partner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Motor Challenge Program in 1993. This partnership between industry and government is focused on sharing energy efficient information among motor users and manufacturers while communicating the benefits of energy efficient products. Today, Rockwell Automation has increased its commitment to this effort as an Alliance Partner in the Motor Challenge Program.

Superconductivity Partnership Initiative

Reliance Electric and their partner American Superconductor joined this effort to commercialize high-temperature superconducting motor (HTS) technology in 1996. HTS technology will result in smaller, lighter motors with extraordinary power savings. According to the Department of Energy, nearly half of the motors in the United States are in size ranges that are potential candidates for conversion to HTS motors.


Products Focused on Efficiency
Variable-Speed VTAC 7 HVAC Drives
Reliance Electric pioneered the use of variable-speed drives to increase the efficiency of commercial and industrial building of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems in the late 1970s.
Reliance XE Premium Efficient Motors

In 1980, the Reliance XE motor became the first truly energy-efficient AC motor available. It was the result of a multimillion-dollar investment in research, tooling and advance materials that set a standard other motor manufacturers now follow.

E-Master Energy Efficient Motors
Four years before the Energy Policy Act would take effect, the E*Master motor was introduced. It was the first motor available to meet EPACT efficiency standards to enable users to immediately achieve energy saving benefits.

On-Going Commitment

Rockwell Automation representatives continue to be active in trade association and government committees in support of energy efficient motors.

  • Recommendations have been made to NEMA to make the labeling on motors more representative of the actual efficiency a customer will receive.
  • Rockwell Automation representatives have testified in U.S. Department of Energy hearings in support of the Energy Policy Act and have suggested additional product categories to be covered.
  • Technical papers continue to be presented to trade organizations and in the news media about the benefits and application of energy-efficient drive systems.
  • Research continues at the Rockwell Science Center and the Reliance Electric Research facility on additional ways to increase electric motor efficiency.

Rockwell Automation has taken a leadership role in motor efficiency and is employing the resources needed to help customers minimize motor energy costs while maximizing operating performance and service life. No other company can match this commitment to customers and our environment.

Reliance Electric Motors - No Better Value

For over 90 years, Reliance motors have earned a reputation for high performance and long service life even in severe operating conditions. Today, we lead the industry in these categories to provide you with optimum value.

Quality

Six Reliance Electric motor plants in North America are ISO 9001 certified - your best assurance of product and service quality.

Delivery

Each Reliance motor facility is implementing Demand Flow Technology - a complete business strategy to provide motor delivery cycles that will be the best in the industry.

Variable-Speed Operation

Reliance variable-speed motors are designed and tested for use with AC or DC drives. In addition, they’re available with performance-matched Reliance AC or DC drives for optimum performance and service life.


Wide Selection of Products and Services from a Single Source

Industrial and Engineered Motors
Over one-million ratings, types and styles of Standard, Modified and Custom motors are available from sub-fractional through 25,000 horsepower.

Standard Drives

Reliance Electric variable-speed AC and DC drives are available with advanced, yet easy-to-use motor speed control capabilities to 2,000 horsepower.

Services

Comprehensive rotating and electronic equipment repair services are available to bring new life to equipment regardless of brand. Locally available parts, in-depth training, on-site or remote technical support and predictive maintenance services are all focused on improving productivity.

Document number B-7087

Note: This material is not intended to provide operational instructions.
Appropriate Reliance Electric Industrial Company instruction manuals
and precautions should be studied prior to installation, operation, or
maintenance of equipment.
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