Eskom offers motor subsidies

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Third Quarter 2008 News & events

Source: Eskom

The Energy Efficient Motors (EEM) Programme is one of Eskom’s accelerated demand-side management (DSM) interventions, which have a cumulative savings target of 8000 MW by 2025. Through this programme Eskom is offering subsidies on the replacement of inefficient motors with energy efficient motors.

The estimated 60 000 industrial motors which keep South African industry humming, and in the process consume up to 10 GW electricity, are under the spotlight as a potential means to reducing national electricity consumption. So says Eskom which is offering the EEM programme to industry to alleviate high energy cost and at the same time reduce demand on the currently constrained power system.

“At present only a small percentage of electric motors being sold in South Africa are energy efficient models. This Eskom programme is designed to create an awareness of the vital contribution these motors can make to increasing national electricity saving. All purchases of motors ranging from 1,1 kW through to 90 kW will qualify for subsidies. The 1,1 kW unit qualifies for a subsidy of R400 and at the top of the range, the 90 kW unit subsidy will be R3500,” says, Andrew Etzinger, Eskom spokesperson.

Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, Eskom’s energy efficient motors programme manager, illustrates the potential benefits: “A 22 kW energy efficient motor will qualify for a R1400 once-off subsidy on the catalogue price and produce energy savings of 9056 kWh per year. In money terms this equates to R5071 per annum.”

Ian Langridge, manager: Global Energy at Anglo American Technical Division, says, “As a result of this programme Anglo American will see a reduction in the need to rewind old motors. However, some education is necessary as Eff 1 motors are not an automatic change out choice. There are applications which require some technical input as part of the decision process.”

The comprehensive Eskom programme – launched in association with three approved energy efficient motor suppliers – effectively enables purchasers to get energy efficient-rated motors at the cost of standard motors – Eskom’s subsidy making up the difference.

In order to make this process as accessible and attractive as possible, Eskom wants more suppliers on board.

“I urge all end users in the South African industry to grab the opportunity to acquire energy efficient motors. You will benefit through significant, instant subsidies and savings on operating costs – the country as a whole will profit,” Mthombeni concluded.

For more information contact EE Motors Help Desk, Eskom DSM, +27 (0)11 800 4744, www.eskom.co.za/dsm

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