Drives, motors + switchgear
In South Africa, the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric motors that came into eect in mid-2025 require all low voltage IE1 and IE2 electric motors, which are widely used across industries – in heavy-duty cranes, pumps, conveyor belts, air conditioning and more – to be replaced by the more energy-eicient IE3 motors. How to maximise value from MEPS for electric motors
Fanie Steyn, Electric Motors, WEG Africa.
I n the first global analysis of energy consumption and energy eiciency potential of electric motor-driven systems (EMDS), published by the International Energy Agency in 2011, Energy Eiciency Policy Opportunities for Electric Motor-Driven Systems [1] , the IEA highlighted that electric motors and the systems they drive constitute the largest single energy end use and account for more than 40% of global electricity consumption. It pointed to the huge, untapped potential for energy eiciency in EMDS, stating then that around 25% of EMDS electricity use could be saved cost-eectively – and that would reduce total global electricity demand by about 10%. As well as reducing electricity use, more eicient electric motors deliver significant cost savings, which is why many countries, including South Africa, have established Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) regulating the standards of electric motors. In South Africa, the MEPS regulations require most three-phase low-voltage electric motors, with power ratings from 0.75 kW to 375 kW, to be replaced, as they fail, over time, by IE3 (or higher) rated motors. Although the regulations allow motor operators to phase out older motors, IE3 motors are clearly more eicient and have WEG Africa assembles a range of electric motors locally.
lower maintenance needs (a further cost benefit). WEG advises businesses to start developing their replacement plans now. “Yet, many businesses are unsure of the best approach to exploit the MEPS transition,” says Fanie Steyn, LV & HV Executive of WEG Africa’s Electric Motors division. “The average mid-sized factory may run several dozen to a few hundred electric motors. Some are delaying replacements because they worry that this will draw attention and resources away from their main priorities. They would rather wait until a motor breaks and replace it then. But our view is that approach costs more: it leaves savings on the table and will lead to rushed preparations such as procurement training. Right now is the best time for businesses to start thinking about how MEPS aects them.” Preparing for MEPS doesn’t mean replacing every motor. There are several ways to build towards a smooth transition and maximise the return on investment, which Steyn outlines below. Conduct motor inventories You can use MEPS to motivate a survey of your motor inventory for maintenance, redeployment, and replacement planning. MEPS doesn’t require replacing current motors until they reach
FEBRUARY 2026 Electricity + Control
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