Premium Efficiency Motors Program

Instead of choosing a standard electric motor, go premium! Premium efficiency motors have improvements over standard EPACT motors that result in reduced downtime and lower operating and maintenance costs.

• Steel with better magnetic qualities
• 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. However, the rebates are conservatively based on average motor loading and operating conditions. In some cases, particularly where motors are heavily loaded, the incentive will be higher than the 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 fill out the rebate form and attach the appropriate invoices. To qualify for a rebate, motors must meet or exceed the efficiencies shown rebate and minimum full load efficiency table.

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 existing motor.