Motor makers seek time to meet energy norms
No suitable raw material, infra in place, say manufacturers
thehundu.com, December 2, 2017
Manufacturers of electric motors have sought additional time to comply with the energy efficiency norms stipulated by the government earlier this year.
According to them, the appropriate raw materials should be available in adequate quantity and testing facilities need to be strengthened.
BIS certification
According to the norms, from January 1, 2018, electric motor manufacturers will have to produce motors that comply with specified energy efficiency norms (IE2 level), besides obtaining BIS certification.
C. Muthuswami, managing committee member of the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association, said the Ministry of Commerce issued an order in January this year, asking the manufacturers to comply with IE2 norms and obtain a BIS certification with effect from October 1. Following an appeal by the industry, the norms were made mandatory from January 1, 2018. “We need more time to comply with the norms. We have also asked the stamping manufacturers to procure the suitable materials,” he said.
D. Senthilkumar, director in-charge of Lakshmi Electrical Drives, said the supply chain should be equipped for the motor manufacturers to meet the specifications. According to Hetal R. Mehta, former president of All India Electric Motor Manufacturers’ Association, it is estimated that there are about 8,000 micro, small and medium-scale enterprises that make motors. Availability of testing laboratories is an impediment in meeting the specified norms.
Sanjeev Arora, vice-president (motors and generators business) of ABB India, said the government should support the SME motor buyers by offering initial subsidy.