Baldor's energy crusade

Fort Smith, AR-One of the world's power transmission leaders, Baldor Electric has offered energy-efficient electric motors-the "Super-E" series-since 1983.

But many customers weren't willing to pay the 20% premium versus conventional motors.

Now, however, soaring energy prices are getting people's attention, and Baldor has launched a nationwide campaign to demonstrate the lifetime savings that an investment in an energy efficient motor can deliver.

"Electric motor users are surprised when they see how much it costs to operate an electric motor," says John McFarland, Baldor president and CEO. "A 30-hp motor can consume over $22,000 in electricity if operated continuously for a year. Installing a Super-E premium efficient motor can reduce the electricity cost by nearly $1,200 per year. That's close to the purchase price of a new Super-E motor."

McFarland adds that there has been very little mention of motors in the current energy policy debate, even though Department of Energy studies show that electric motors consume 63% of the energy used by industry and 25% of all electricity used in the U.S.

To help customers understand the potential payback on energy-efficient motors, Baldor has produced a business card CD that calculates the costs for various-size motors. The company notes that electricity typically accounts for over 97% of the lifetime cost of an industrial electric motor, while purchase price, installation, and repair costs comprise less than 3% of total costs. Bottom line: the additional costs of buying these upgraded motors, which cut electricity use by about 9% a year, are erased in 12 to 18 months.

Baldor also is introducing a new EnergyGuide label, which will appear on all its Super-E motors, which range from 1 to 1,500 hp and feature premium-grade copper wire, more iron, thinner laminations, premium steel and bearings, larger end rings, and low-loss fans. Similar to the yellow tags used on home appliances, the label shows buyers the estimated annual dollars savings from the motor.

"One of our biggest challenges," says McFarland, "is to grab the attention of the person at our customer plants who has to pay the electric bill."

For more information on energy-efficient motors from Baldor, visit www.baldor.com or call (800) 828-4920.