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South Africa's Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) came into effect from June 2025. The new standards, in line with international trends, will see the phasing out of IE1 and IE2 electric motors for more energy-efficient IE3 motors. WEG Africa, which is one of the few companies that assembles electric motors for industry in South Africa, recently hosted a roundtable gathering to share the context, implications and opportunities of the new MEPS.

MEPS regulations for electric motors now mandatory

Low voltage motors with power output ratings from 0.75 kW to 375 kW are widely used in industry and will need to be replaced.

International Efficiency (IE) ratings are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as a measure of energy efficiency in electric motors. Thus, the classification of IE1 and IE2 motors distinguishes them from premium efficiency IE3 motors and super premium efficiency IE4 and IE5 motors.

In South Africa, the MEPS regulations were gazetted one year ago to give the market due notice of the legislative change. The regulations will require most three-phase, low-voltage electric motors between 0.75 kW to 375 kW. to be replaced, over time, by IE3 (or higher) rated motors.

The lower efficiency IE1 and IE2 low voltage motors will no longer be admitted as imports into the country.

Speaking at roundtable gathering, Fanie Steyn, LV&HV Executive of Electric Motors at WEG Africa, highlighted several important points. He noted, among other things, that:

  • IE3 electric motors are 4 to 8% more efficient than IE1 and IE2 motors, and continuously running premium-efficiency motors can recoup their replacement cost within a few months.
  • End-user businesses are not obliged to replace motors currently in operation; they can phase out older motors as they fail.
  • Electric motor manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers can sell current IE1 and IE2 stock until May 2026.

Steyn noted too that WEG Africa has already phased out IE1 and IE2 motors from its product portfolio and has established local IE3 motor production lines.

A financial win for businesses

All businesses, suppliers, and OEMs should be aware that the switch to IE3 premium energy efficiency motors introduces efficiency and cost benefits across all industry sectors.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric motor-driven systems consume more than 40% of global electricity [1], which new regulations can reduce by at least 5%.

Although IE3 motors are sold at a higher cost, they are, as noted, four to eight percent more efficient than IE1 motors. Electric motors can consume the energy equivalent amounting to their acquisition costs in the first few weeks of operation. However, when cumulative running costs are compared, savings achieved using IE3 motors typically return the investment outlay within one to five years, depending on the application. Premium IE3 motors that run continuously can recoup their costs within months.

IE3 motors also make a difference in enabling companies to reduce their environmental impact and improve market competitiveness, as well as offset rising energy costs.

More information on exceptions and responsibilities, steps organisations can follow to align with the MEPS regulations, and contextual insights from the speakers at the roundtable hosted by WEG Africa, will be featured in the upcoming July edition of Electricity + Control.

Steyn highlighted that MEPS for electric motors are already in play in regions such as the US, Europe, and China. “In South Africa, as a major OEM of electric motors, WEG Africa is helping spearhead and guide this process in the interests of our customers. We are here to assist them and to make the transition as beneficial as possible," he said.

Reference:

[1] https://www.iea.org/reports/walking-the-torque

For more information visit: www.weg.net

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