Solid stage A.C. motor starters were investigated in 1982 when major electrical distribution upgrading was necessary at Rocky Point due to replacement of two I.D. fans and an injection water pump. This was an ideal opportunity to investigate the advantages claimed by solid state A.C. controller manufacturers. If starting currents could be reduced, the peak loading on the generation system would be correspondingly reduced and the performance of the motors involved would be improved. This paper compares the performance of A.C. solid state motor controllers with conventional A.C. motor starters at Rocky Point sugar mill.