NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers` Association of the US, is setting up a scheme to define electric motors of the highest efficiency. By establishing an industry consensus on what constitutes a high- or premium-efficiency motor, the scheme is designed to alleviate the confusion that NEMA says exists in the US at present.

Although the 1992 Energy Policy Act (Epact) imposed energy efficiency standards on motors from 1-200hp (0.75-270kW), NEMA says that many users are confused by the lack of consistency in defining the performance of high-efficiency motors.

Its own scheme, spanning ratings up to 450hp (600kW), will set "a clear, voluntary energy efficiency specification for the industry," says NEMA president Malcolm O`Hagen.

NEMA estimates that its scheme could save 5.8GW in the US over the coming decade.