I mentioned in my last post that we were visited by Charlie Hubbard of Baldor at the Summit Publishing offices in Chicago yesterday. Couple of things of interest. He brought updated information about the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). Everyone should be aware that beginning December 19, 2010 (just next year) all motors that fall under the requirements of the Act will be required to meet minimum efficiency standards. All machines shipped into the United States from anywhere in the world must also contain motors that comply with the minimum efficiency standards of the Act. So–be prepared.

It has been somewhat unfortunate, but energy efficient motors have been available for many years. Problem is, purchasing agents are evaluated on purchase price, and these motors are more expensive than normal ones. However, if they had been evaluated on total cost of the motor including reduced energy consumption (which means reduced cost of operation), then perhaps U.S. manufacturing would already have switched. Now the government is mandating it. No options.

The second piece of news came from the U.S. Department of Energy which is working with Baldor and other entities to develop an ultra-efficient and power-dense electric motor. Stay tuned for more information on that.

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