An advanced motor technology tax credit promoted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., has been included in the recently introduced Senate tax bill S. 1639, "Expanding Industrial Energy Efficiency Incentives Act." Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), chairman of the finance subcommittee on energy, introduced the bill before Congress adjourned for its August recess. This tax credit provides $120 per horsepower to original equipment manufacturers and end-users for the substitution of advanced motor systems with adjustable speed capability, like permanent magnet, electronically commutated, or switched reluctance motors, as well as other technologies as determined by the secretary of energy in redesigned equipment and appliances.
The tax credit is estimated to provide between $400 and $600 million in direct tax incentives for the purchase of NEMA member products.