With the enforcement of South Africa’s new minimum energy efficiency performance standard for electric motors set to commence in June 2025, industries across the country are urged to prepare for significant changes. The regulation mandates that all newly imported electric motors meet the IE3 efficiency level, effectively phasing out less efficient IE1 and IE2 models.
Ruveer Persad, Proposals and Services Manager at WEG Africa, emphasised the urgency of adapting to the new standard during Electra Mining Africa 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre this week (September 2-6). “The implementation of IE3 efficiency standards is just around the corner,” he warned.
From June 2025, all electric motors ranging from 0,75-375 kW with two, four, six and eight poles will need to comply. This includes hazardous area motors and gear motors although brake motors and fully immersed motors are exempt due to their specialised applications.
The new regulation will be strictly enforced at all ports of entry. Non-compliant motors will be barred from import. While existing IE1 and IE2 motors can continue to operate until they reach the end of useful life, they must be replaced with IE3-compliant models when they fail.
As the deadline approaches, industries must consider the broader implications of this shift. Persad highlighted the potential benefits of adopting IE3 motors despite higher initial costs. “The switch to more efficient motors will not only help reduce electricity expenses but also contribute to lower emissions,” he noted. “In the long run, this could result in savings of up to R600 000 per motor annually and a reduction of 35 tons of carbon emissions per year.”
The urgency of this transition is underscored by the substantial increase in electricity costs in South Africa, which have surged by 272% over the past decade. “With energy costs rising exponentially, it’s crucial for industries to focus on the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial purchase price,” Persad said.
Despite the clear benefits, many South African and African businesses are still using outdated IE1 motors, lagging behind global efficiency standards, he pointed out. As the enforcement date draws near, companies must act swiftly to comply with the new regulations and avoid disruptions to their operations.
