Instead of choosing a standard electric motor, go premium! Premium efficiency motors have improvements over standard motors that result in reduced downtime and lower operating and maintenance costs.
- Steel with better magnetic qualities
- Improved motor insulation
- Bigger diameter wire
- Better bearings
Avista Utilities offers rebates and incentives to our electric customers to help pay for qualifying premium motors. The rebate is distinguished from an incentive in that a rebate does not require prior completion of an Energy Efficiency Agreement between Avista and the customer as is the case with “site-specific” or custom projects. Rebates are conservatively based on average motor loading and operating conditions. For “site-specific” cases, particularly where motors are heavily loaded or when the motor horsepower exceeds 200 HP, the incentive may be higher than a rebate. This is because the incentive is calculated for each motor application. Where motors are lightly loaded, the rebate may actually be higher than the incentive.
To take advantage of incentives:
Develop a comprehensive motor inventory using the Department of Energy's (DOE) MotorMaster program. MotorMaster is free software designed to assist in inventory development. Once the inventory is completed, advise your Avista representative and send the .mdb file for your inventory. An Energy Efficiency Agreement will then be prepared. Once the Agreement is signed, motors can then qualify for incentives under Avista's Energy Efficiency program.
To take advantage of rebates:
If a comprehensive motor inventory isn't feasible, utilize the Premium Efficiency Motor Rebate program. When you purchase a new premium efficiency motor, simply select a motor from the CEE Premium Efficient Motor List, fill out the rebate form attach the appropriate invoices and manufacturer’s specification sheet.
View a list of qualifying equipment.
Note: Premium efficient motors have less slippage than standard motors and may actually run slightly faster. If the motor is driving a fan or pump, the flow may actually increase but energy usage will also increase. Consequently, when replacing a motor, the full load rated speed at the new motor should closely match to the rated full low speed of the exist