Assessment of the National Energy Efficiency Motor Programme

Abstract

South Africa is currently facing an electricity demand challenge. In response to these challenges, Eskom as the power utility has formed a division to manage the short-term electricity supply and demand challenge. The role of the Integrated Demand Management (IDM) division is to manage end users’ electrical energy use. The IDM division manages demand side management (DSM) initiatives – promoting energy efficiency and load management technologies. In 2008, Eskom IDM introduced an Energy Efficient Motor Programme, targeting the replacement of electric induction motors that range between 1.1 kW and 90 kW. Electric motors could offer significant potential to achieve energy savings. In particular, squirrel-cage induction motors offered significant potential as these motors are commonly used in the industrial sector and are known to be the workhorses of industry. The programme offered participants a subsidy on high efficiency (EFF1) motors traded in against the physical return of old standard (EFF2) or low efficiency (EFF3) motors that were then scrapped. In this study, data gathered from the participation is used to ascertain results to determine the electrical savings impact of the programme. These results are compared with the associated measurement and verification results. The electrical savings impact of the DSM programme are also discussed and recommendations are made based on the findings. Energy efficiency is one of the most effective techniques for managing the demands of the electrical energy challenge in South Africa. Effective DSM programmes can assist end users to use electricity both optimally and efficiently. Research should, therefore, be conducted on existing programmes before launching new DSM programmes to ensure that the desired outcomes can be achieved.