A manufacturing plant has an electrical load of 5000 kW at 0.80 power factor, lagging. It has been decided to replace a 500 HP induction motor that drives a pump. This motor operates at an efficiency of 96% and a power factor of 0.90, lagging. A synchronous motor is purchased as the replacement and is capable of operating at 0.80 power factor, leading, with the same efficiency as the induction motor. Determine

(a) The new plant power factor

(b) The percentage decrease in line current as a result of the improved power factor