Abstract According to its ‘Energy Strategy 2050’ (case ‘new energy policy’) Switzerland aims to reduce its industrial electricity demand by 25% and 35% in 2035 and 2050 respectively compared to 2010. Electric motor driven systems in Swiss industry, which currently account for approximately 69% of the sector’s total electricity demand, are expected to contribute significantly to this strategy. This study assesses the potential of electricity savings for electric motor driven systems in industry and its associated specific costs and presents the results in the form of energy efficiency cost curves. For the short term, the economic potential for electricity savings in Swiss industrial electric motor systems is estimated at approximately 17%. The importance of accounting for additionality by using energy-relevant investment instead of total investment for the cost-benefit analysis in order to avoid underestimation of the economic electricity savings potential is demonstrated. The results of this analysis can serve as basis for formulating more effective policies and may also be applicable to other countries with similarly ambitious targets.