South African companies are preparing for the implementation of the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), part of a global trend towards energy-efficient electric motors. As of June 2025, the regulation requires most three-phase, low-voltage electric motors in South Africa to eventually switch to IE3 (International Efficiency) motors, which are more efficient than IE1 and IE2-rated motors.
This switch brings efficiency and cost benefits to businesses, suppliers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Leading industrial and energy component manufacturer WEG Africa hosted a media briefing on 5 June 2025, at its training centre in Longlake Ext 4, Johannesburg, to unpack the motivations, benefits, and requirements for MEPS.
A financial win for businesses
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric motor-driven systems consume more than 40% of global electricity, which new regulations can reduce by at least 5%.
The difference between IE1 and IE3 motors is 4-8%. However, electric motors can consume the energy equivalent of their acquisition costs in the first few weeks of operation. When comparing cumulative running costs, IE3 savings typically return investments within one to five years. Premium IE3 motors that run continuously can recoup their costs in months.
IE3 motors also significantly improve a company's environmental impact and market competitiveness, while offsetting rising energy costs.
“Global energy consumption has doubled in the last 20 years, spurring an international trend towards a more energy-secure and energy-efficient future,” said Harvest-Time Obadire, Power and Renewables analyst, BMI. “In the South African context, the market is at risk of experiencing an energy deficit by the end of the decade, while electricity prices also continue to place growing pressures on consumers across all sectors. When you look at these numbers, the MEPS regulation makes enormous business and societal sense.”
Exceptions and responsibilities
The new IE3 efficiency standard, officially called the Compulsory Specification VC 9113, is mandatory from June 2025. The specification applies to a broad range of three-phase, low-voltage electric motors, specifically motors with two, four, six, or eight poles with a rated power output ranging from 0.75 kW to 375 kW. It includes motors with non-standard mechanical dimensions and geared motors.
It excludes certain categories, such as single-speed motors with ten or more poles, multi-speed motors, motors that use mechanical commutators, and motors designed to operate entirely while immersed in a liquid.
Businesses can continue to run operational IE1 and IE2 motors, replacing these upon failure. Existing IE1 and IE2 motor stock can still be sold until May 2026. WEG Africa has already established local IE3 motor assembly lines.
In most cases, OEMs and equipment suppliers must certify their motors. End-user businesses can request to see a supplier's Letter of Authority for the motors, issued by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
"South Africa and our African peers are playing a growing role in the global energy story. We are prolific adopters of renewable energy and new energy blends, and support global energy market trends. But it's not just about new energy sources. Improving what we have by pursuing greater energy efficiency is a crucial strategy. MEPS regulations enable local businesses and utilities to improve their efficiency, and they also create new employment and market opportunities through local manufacturing and skills development," said Zadok Olinga, past president of the Southern Africa Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC).
Steps to align with the MEPS transition
The affected category of motors is very common, including industrial applications, mining, agriculture, cold chain systems, and HVAC units. The MEPS transition will impact many different businesses; here are steps to prepare for the transition and gain its benefits:
- Conduct a thorough electric motor inventory audit to accurately identify all motors that fall within the scope of the MEPS regulations.
- Consult with equipment suppliers to understand the impact on the equipment used in operations and how the supplier will address MEPS requirements.
- Develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy for replacing older motors, prioritising those that operate for extended periods to maximise potential energy savings.
- Update procurement policies and technical specifications to explicitly mandate that all applicable new electric motor purchases must meet the IE3 efficiency.
- Train relevant staff members (including procurement, maintenance, and operations) on the new MEPS regulations and compliance.
- Undertake a cost-benefit analysis for replacing older, less efficient motors even before they fail, taking into account the potential for significant energy savings and the projected increases in the cost of electricity.
Equipment suppliers and end-user businesses can also engage with WEG Africa to learn more about the new standard.
"Regions such as the US, Europe, and China have already started switching to MEPS. As a major electrical motor OEM, WEG Africa is helping spearhead and guide this process in the interest of our customers. We're here to help and make the transition as beneficial as possible. Talk to us and see how your business can gain the most from MEPS,” said Fanie Steyn, LV&HV executive of Electric Motors at WEG Africa.
