Products Being Considered for Regulation

A wide range of products are now regulated for energy efficiency in Australia. Some elements of the program need to be updated from time to time (eg revision of energy labelling equations, upgrading of MEPS levels). Also, new products are continually being considered for regulation or other types of programs in order to improve energy efficiency.

This page provides a summary of activities related to energy efficiency by product type (newest reports listed at the top). All of the reports referred to below are included in the E₃ Committee electronic library and are available for download as a PDF file. Direct links are provided to reports released from January 2002, but earlier reports can be found in the main library, which is sorted by date of publication (latest reports are at the top, the oldest report are at the bottom). An index of product types on this pages is shown below:

Air compressors
Airconditioners
Electric motors
Gas products
Home Electronics and Office Equipment
Lighting (ballasts and lamps)
Packaged boilers
Refrigeration (domestic and commercial)
Standby
Stoves and cooktops
Transformers (distribution)
Water heaters
Other Products
General reports (multi-product or program related)

Air Compressors

Synopsis: Air compressors are not currently regulated for energy efficiency. There are no proposals to regulate the efficiency of compressed air systems at this stage. However, a number of reports and brochures have been prepared to encourage best practice.

The following reports have been released for air compressors:

Air and Mine Equipment Institute of Australia - compressed air brochures. They provide advice on the design and maintenance of compressed air system to save energy. Compressed air brochures (published 2003-MAY).
Report on the Success of Compressed Air Programs. Looks at a range of options for a Best Practice Program for compressors. Report 2002/06 (published 2002-FEB).
MEPS Profile - Packaged Air Compressors. Concludes that MEPS are unlikely to be cost effective but recommends a range of voluntary programs (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Technical Report - Packaged Air Compressors, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on energy, performance and emissions for compressors and program options (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).

Air conditioners

Synopsis: Single phase air conditioners must carry an energy label. Single and three phase air conditioners are regulated for MEPS. MEPS for three phase air conditioners started on 1 October 2001. MEPS for single phase air conditioners started on 1 October 2004. Upgrades to MEPS levels were for single and three phase systems were introduced in 2006 and 2007. Changes to the energy label design occurred in 2003 (highlight of capacity). Details are contained in the AS/NZS3823.2-2005 which was published on 30 December 2005. An amendment to Part 2 with an adjusted label design was published in June 2006. A revised star rating algorithm for the energy label is proposed for 2010 along with new MEPS requirements (including heating) and requirements for crank case heaters, power factor and demand response. Reporting standby power is now mandatory for registration. In October 2004 the E3 Committee proposed MEPS for chillers, close control airconditioners and heat pumps and work on these product types is continuing.

The following reports have been released for airconditioners and related equipment:

Fact Sheet Water Chillers: MEPS (published 2008-10).
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Close Control Air Conditioners. Report 2008/11 (published 2008-SEP).
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement for the Revision to the Energy Labelling Algorithms and Revised MEPS levels and Other Requirements for Air Conditioners. Report 2008/09 (published 2008-SEP).
Third Annual E3 HVAC Industry Stakeholders Forum Forum presentations (2008-JUN)
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Chillers Report No 2007/16 (published 2007-DEC).
Consumer Research to Guide the Next Round of Refrigerator and Air Conditioner Labels - Final Report Report No 2007/14 (published 2007-OCT).
Cost-Benefit Analysis: MEPS and Alternative Strategies for Chillers Report No 2007/08 (published 2007-AUG).
Industry/Government Round Table and Air Conditioner EL15/16 meeting. Summary (published 2007-APR)
Inverter MEPS Discussion Paper (published 2007-MAR)
Climate Control - Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning and Efficiency - This is the second discussion paper in the development of a long term strategy to improve the energy efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning services in commercial buildings. Report 2006/04 (published May-2006)
Notice of early adoption of increased MEPS for single phase airconditioners from 1 April 2006. Letter from the E3 Committee Chair outlines the proposal under consideration by Energy Ministers for the revised MEPS date for non-ducted single phase air conditioners less than 7.5kW for household use. The letter dated 19 January 2006 confirms that MCE have now agreed to the proposal for MEPS to commence on 1 April 2006.
Climate Control - Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning and Efficiency - This discussion paper is the first step in the development of a long term strategy to improve the energy efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning services in commercial buildings. Report 2005/20 (published Sep-2005)
Status of Air Conditioners in Australia - a report with the latest air conditioner data available for Australia has been released by the E3 Committee. Report 2005/09 (published Aug-2005, updated Dec 2005)
Air Conditioner Algorithm Working Group Discussion Paper - discusses options for a revision of the energy labelling algorithm for air conditioners. Discussion paper (published Jul-2005)
Proposal to increase MEPS for Room Air Conditioners and harmonise MEPS for single and three-phase units - latest regulatory impact statement regarding revised MEPS levels and timing. Report 2005/16 (published Jul-2005)
RIS - Proposal to Increase MEPS for Room Airconditioners (original version) Report 2005/04 (published Feb-2005)
Comparison of International MEPS: Room Airconditioners - by EnergyConsult for the E3 Committee. Report 2005/03 (published Jan-2005)
Electrical Peak Load Analysis Victoria 1999 - 2003 - report by EES for VENCorp looks at impact of air conditioners on peak loads. summary (published Jan-2005)
A National Demand Management Strategy for Small Airconditioners: the role of the Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (E3) - this proposes a range of strategies to deal with energy and peak load issues. Report 2004/22 (published Nov-2004)
MEPS Profile - Heat Pumps - This report proposes MEPS for the heating performance of reverse cycle airconditioners. Report 2004/17 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Chillers - This report proposes MEPS for large multi-storey building chiller systems. Report 2004/15 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Close Control Air Conditioners - This report proposes MEPS for computer room airconditioners. Report 2004/14 (published 2004-OCT).
Standby Profile - Air Conditioners - This profile sets targets for airconditioner standby levels. Report SB2004/06 (published 2004-JUN).
Regulatory Impact Statement - Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Air Conditioners - This report assesses costs and benefits for the introduction of MEPS levels in 2004 (single phase) and revised levels in 2007 (single and three phase). Report 2003/08 (published 2003-AUG).
MEPS Profile - Air Conditioners - the E3 Committee proposal for new AC MEPS levels in 2004 (single phase) and revised levels in 2007 (single and three phase). Report 2002/11 (published 2002-AUG).
International Review of Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Air Conditioners. EnergyConsult for the E3 Committee. Report 2002/16 (published 2002-MAY).
Fact Sheet 3: MEPS and Labelling for Air Conditioners (published 2002-MAR).
Voluntary Energy Labelling Possibilities for Evaporative and Refrigerative Air Conditioners, Report 2002/05, The E3 Committee report prepared by EnergyConsult (published 2002-JAN).
Appliance Electricity End-Use: Weather and Climate Sensitivity. Melissa Hart, Macquarie University, analysis of 1994 Pacific Power end use data as master thesis. Covers weather sensitive appliances (heaters, air cons). Commissioned by AGO (published 2002-JAN).
The Scope for Application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards to Additional Household Appliances, report by George Wilkenfeld and Associates for the E3 Committee. Review MEPS options for washers, dryers, dishwashers, ACs and heaters. Report 2002/04 (published 2001-DEC).
Analysis of Potential for Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Evaporative Air Conditioners, by Mark Ellis and Associates, outlines MEPS case for EACs (published 2001-MAR under Appliances).
MEPS Profile - Evaporative Air Conditioners, examines MEPS options, the E3 Committee discussion paper (published 2001-MAR under Appliances).
Air Conditioner Challenge - Program Options, report to AGO by EnergyConsult. Canvasses voluntary options for industry (published 2001-FEB under Appliances).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Airconditioners and Heat Pumps. Examines costs and benefits for PAC MEPS levels proposed for October 2001 (published 2000-AUG under Appliances).
Proposed Energy Efficiency Program for Packaged Air Conditioners, prepared by Mechlab (UNSW), final technical report which was used as the basis for setting initial MEPS levels for three phase airconditioners (published 2000-JUN under Appliances).
Energy Performance Standards and Energy Labelling for Industrial and Commercial Equipment. Energetics and GWA report that examines initial feasibility of MEPS and labelling for C&I equipment including motors, ballasts and office equipment (published 1994-APR under Appliances).

Electric Motors

Synopsis: Three phase electric motors are currently regulated for MEPS. E3 introduced MEPS for electric motors in 2001 and the levels were upgraded in 2006. See motor MEPS page and AS/NZS1359.5-2004 for details.

The following reports have been released for electric motors:

Motor Torque - Information for industry on mandatory efficiency requirements for electric motors. Produced jointly by E3 and AEEMA. (published 2007-MAY).
Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Electric Motors: Regulatory Impact Statement. Report 2003/11 (published 2003-DEC).
MEPS profile - motors. The December 2002 plan of the Equipment Energy Efficiency Program exploring the benefit of introducing more stringent MEPS standards for three phase electric motors in the size range 0.73kW to <185kW. Report 2002/15 (published 2002-DEC).
A Review of the Stringency Levels for the Mandatory Minimum Efficiency of Three-Phase Cage Induction Motors in Australia. Report 2002/14 (published 2002-SEP).
Fact Sheet 2: MEPS for three phase electric motors (published 2002-JUN).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Electric Motors. Examines costs and benefits for motor MEPS levels proposed for October 2001 (published 2000-SEP under Commercial and Industrial).
Energy Performance Standards and Energy Labelling for Industrial and Commercial Equipment. Energetics and GWA report that examines initial feasibility of MEPS and labelling for C&I equipment including motors, ballasts and office equipment (published 1994-APR under Commercial and Industrial).

Gas Products

Synopsis: Gas water heaters and space heaters are required to carry an energy label and various appliance types also have MEPS requirements. Governments are working with the gas industry to revised the energy label and MEPS requirements for gas appliances. Standby targets for various gas products were released in 2004.

The following reports/notices have been released for gas products:

Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement of Proposal to Introduce a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for Gas Water Heaters Report No 2008/07 (published 2008-AUG).
E3 Gas Committee Cost-Benefit Analysis: Proposal to Introduce a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for Gas Water Heaters Report No 2007/06 (published 2007-JUN).
Notice of Governments Regulatory Plans for Gas Water Heaters - 24 May 2007.
Gas Water Heater Comparative Testing Round-Robin 2005/06 - Part of the E3 Gas Workplan 2007 to 2007/08. Report 2006/12. (published 2006-OCT).
Switch on Gas - Revised Gas Workplan for 2007 to 2007/08. Report 2006/11. (published 2006-OCT).
Switch on Gas - Work Plan 2005/06 - 2007/08. Report 2005/10 (published 2005-APR).
Switch on Gas - Australia's strategy to improve the energy efficiency of gas appliances and equipment 2005-2015. Report 2004/19 (published 2004-DEC).
Standby Profile - instantaneous gas water heaters - This profile sets targets for instantaneous gas water heater standby levels. Report SB2004/04 (published 2004-MAR).
Gas industry discussion paper titled "Driving energy efficiency improvements to domestic gas appliances" is available for download (published 2003-JUL).
Energy Labelling & Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Domestic Gas Appliances. Report 2002/17 (published 2002-NOV).

Home Electronics and Office Equipment

Synopsis: Home electronics (TVs, VCR, audio and related entertainment equipment) and office equipment (computers and related equipment, copiers, faxes etc.) are significant users of energy in the commercial and residential sectors. The E3 Committee is considering options for energy labelling and MEPS for these products. Unlike many product types included in the standby strategy, some of these products use a majority of their energy in "on" mode. Two initial scoping studies which make the case for intervention are listed below. MEPS proposals for a range of products were released in October 2004.

The following reports have been released for home entertainment and office equipment:

Voluntary Labelling Program for Televisions - Rules for Participation Report No 2008/01 (Updated June 2009)
Consultation RIS: Proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labelling for Televisions Report No 2009/03 (published 2009-FEB).
Fact Sheet Voluntary TV Labelling (published 2008-OCT).
Fact Sheet MEPS for external power supplies (republished 2008-OCT).
Fact Sheet MEPS for Set Top Boxes (published 2008-AUG).
Market Survey Energy Efficiency - Perceptions of Potential TV Buyers, prepared by GfK Marketing Services, (published 2008-AUG)
E3 Television Industry Meeting Summary and related documents: E3 Television Stakeholder Meeting (22 July 2008).
Consumer Group Discussion on Purchasing Major Household Appliances with Reference to TVs and ICT, Report No 2008/06 (published 2008-JUL)
Voluntary Labelling Program for Televisions - Rules for Participation - FINAL Report No 2008/01 (published 2008-JUL).
Supplementary Discussion Paper on MEPS and Energy Labelling for Televisions Report No 2007/19 (published 2007-DEC).
Fact Sheet Computers and Monitors: The Case for MEPS Standards (October 2007).
E3 Committee Analysis of the Potential for Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Computers and Monitors Report No 2007/12 (published 2007-SEP).
E3 Committee Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposal to Introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Set-top Boxes Report No 2007/11 (published 2007-OCT).
Fact Sheet Television Energy Performance Standards and Comparative Energy Labels (May 2007).
Discussion Paper on Television Energy Rating Labels: The case, and proposal, for MEPS and Labelling Televisions Report No 2007/10 (published 2007-MAR).
E3 Committe Revised Regulatory Impact Statement: MEPS and Alternative Strategies for External Power Supplies (Report 2007/07) (published 2007-AUG).
E3 Committee Cost-Benefit Analysis: Proposal to Introduce a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for Home Entertainment Products Report No 2007/04 (published 2007-JUL).
Television Energy Performance Standards and Comparative Energy Labels - Fact Sheet (published 2007-APR)
Final Report on Community Attitudes to the Possibility of Energy Efficiency Labelling of Television Sets and Home Computers. Report No 2007/05. (published 2007-APR).
E3 Committe Cost-Benefit Analysis: MEPS and Alternative Strategies for Set-top Boxes. Report No 2007/03. (published 2007-APR).
Consultation RIS - MEPS and Alternative Strategies for External Power Supplies (Report 2007/02) (published 2007-MAR).
Ministers Campbell and Macfarlane announced in a media release in November 2006 that a mandatory limit of 1 Watt in standby would apply to all products by 2012. E3 is currently working towards this target.
A draft proposal for: Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Home Entertainment Equipment. Report 2006/13. (published 2006-NOV).
Trends in television energy use: where it is and where its going, ACEEE Summer Study, Lloyd Harrington, Keith Jones, Bob Harrison, California. (published 2006-AUG).
MEPS Profile - Televisions - This report proposes MEPS and energy labelling for televisions. Report 2004/11 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Set Top Boxes - This report proposes MEPS for set top boxes. Report 2004/08 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - External Power Supplies - This report proposes MEPS and marking for external power supplies. Report 2004/07 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Computers & Computer Monitors - This report proposes MEPS for PCs and monitors. Report 2004/06 (published 2004-OCT).
A Study of Home Entertainment Equipment Operational Energy Use Issues. Report 2003/03 (published 2003-FEB).
A Study of Office Equipment Operational Energy Use Issues. Report 2003/07 (published 2003-FEB).

Lighting (Lamps and Ballasts)

Synopsis: Ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps have been regulated for MEPS from March 2003. The E3 Committee introduced MEPS for linear fluorescent lamps in October 2004. MEPS for certain types of incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps will begin to come into force in November 2008, and for transformers/converters for halogen lighting in 2010. A voluntary energy labelling system is also in place. The Greenlight Australia Strategy sets out a long term lighting strategy with a combination of mandatory and voluntary program elements

The following reports have been released for lighting products:

Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement: Proposal to Phase-out Inefficient Incandescent Light Bulbs. Report 2008/08 (published 2008-SEP).
Media Release (5 June 2008) New Measures Tackle Spiralling Energy Consumption in Homes.
Phase-Out of Inefficient Incandescent Lamps and Standards for Compact Fluorescent Lamps. Report 2007/18 (published 2007-DEC).
The CSD Compact Fluorescent Lamp Harmonisation Initiative information - background paper and application form (published 2007-JUL).
Media Release (20 February 2007) Australia slashes greenhouse gases from inefficient lighting.
Bringing Order to a Global Commodity - the International CFL Harmonisation Initiative - First Year Progress and Lessons Learned, Stuart Jeffcott, Shane Holt, Mark Ellis, Peter DuPont, Kevin Lane, EEDAL, London (published 2006-JUN).
Rationalising the Tower of Babel - International Performance Specifications for CFLs, Shane Holt, Mark Ellis, EEDAL, London (published 2006-JUN).
MEPS Profile - Design Energy Limits for Main Road Lighting. Report 2005/18 (published 2005-Sep).
Final Report on a Consumer Research Study about Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) Report 2006/15 (published 2005-May).
MEPS Profile - Halogen Lighting Transformers. Report 2005/13 (published 2005-Apr).
MEPS Profile - Compact Fluorescent Lamps. Report 2005/12 (published 2005-Apr).
Greenlight Australia - Work Plan for the Triennium 2005/06 to 2007/08. Report 2005/02 (published 2005-Apr).
Greenlight Australia - Strategy for Improving the Efficiency of Lighting in Australia 2005-2015. Report 2005/18 (published 2004-Dec).
Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Linear Fluorescent Lamps: Regulatory Impact Statement. Report 2003/10 (published 2003-DEC).
MEPS profile - Lamps. Outlines proposals for MEPS for linear fluorescent lamps from 600mm to 1800mm. Proposal essentially mandates tri-phosphor lamps. Report 2002/10 (published 2002-NOV).
Fact Sheet 1: MEPS for fluorescent lamp ballasts (published 2002-MAR).
MEPS Technical Report - Analysis of Potential for Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Lamps, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on market, overseas programs, emissions for various lamp types, test procedures and program options (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts (published 2001-JAN under Commercial and Industrial).
Energy Performance Standards and Energy Labelling for Industrial and Commercial Equipment. Energetics and GWA report that examines initial feasibility of MEPS and labelling for C&I equipment including motors, ballasts and office equipment (published 1994-APR under Commercial and Industrial).

Packaged Boilers

Synopsis: Packaged boilers are not currently regulated for energy efficiency. There are no proposals to regulate the efficiency of packaged boilers at this stage. MEPS for oil fired boilers were rejected in October 2004.

The following reports have been released for packaged boilers products:

No Action Proposal - Oil Fired Boilers - This report rejects MEPS for oil fired boilers. Report 2004/09 (published 2004-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Packaged Boilers. Concludes that MEPS are unlikely to be cost effective due to small market share and mild climate (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Technical Report - Packaged Boilers, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on market, overseas programs, emissions and program options (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).

Refrigeration (Domestic and Commercial)

Synopsis: Domestic refrigerators are currently regulated for energy efficiency and are required to carry both an energy label and comply with MEPS. E3 revised MEPS levels for domestic refrigerators came into force on 1 January 2005 - the details are contained in AS/NZS 4474.2-2001. There is a proposal to upgrade energy star rating algorithms for introduction in 2010 along with mandatory use of the new Part 1 (see RIS below). A new Part 1 test method was published in July 2007 with an associated Part 2 amendment to deal with anti-circumvention issues. E3 introduced MEPS levels for certain types of commercial refrigeration systems on 1 October 2004. Details are contained in AS1731.14 which was published in early October 2003. Revisions to AS1731 are in progress. Requirements for vending machines and icemakers are also under consideration. MEPS proposals for ice makers and wine storage cabinets were released in October 2004.

The following reports have been released for refrigeration products:

Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Refrigerated Beverage Vending Machines. Report 2008/10 (published 2008-SEP).
Third Annual E3 HVAC Industry Stakeholders Forum Forum presentations (2008-JUN) - Day 3 included workshops on commercial refrigeration.
Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement of proposed revisions to the method of test and energy labelling algorithms for household refrigerators and freezers Report No 2008/04 (published 2008-JUN).
Review of Standard AS 1731:2003 and Amendments - Technical Discussion Paper Report No 2008/02 (published 2008-JUN).
Costs and Benefits of Proposed Revisions to the Method of Test and Energy Labelling Algorithms for Household Refrigerators and Freezers Report No 2007/15 (published 2007-NOV).
Consumer Research to Guide the Next Round of Refrigerator and Air Conditioner Labels - Final Report Report No 2007/14 (published 2007-OCT).
Impact of Changes in AS/NZS4474.1-2007 on Energy Consumption Report No 2007/13 (published 2007-OCT).
Discussion Paper on Refrigerator Star Rating Algorithms in Australia and New Zealand - Revised Proposal Report 2007/09. (published 2007-SEP).
Anti-circumvention of the refrigerator and freezer test procedure. Letter (22 December 2006) from Shane Holt, Chair of E3 to stakeholders notifying them of forthcoming changes to AS/NZS 4474.
Retrospective Analysis of the Impacts of Energy Labelling and MEPS: Refrigerators and Freezers. Report 2006/14. (published 2006-NOV).
Refrigerator Star Rating Algorithms in Australia and New Zealand. Report 2006/01 (published 2006-JAN).
MEPS Profile - Beverage Vending Machines - This report proposes MEPS for beverage vending machines. Report 2004/11 (published 2005-APR).
MEPS Profile - Ice Makers and Ice Storage Bins - This report proposes MEPS for ice makers and ice storage bins. Report 2004/10 (published 2004-OCT).
No Action Proposal - Wine Storage Cabinets - This report rejects MEPS and energy labelling for wine storage for the time being. Report 2004/13 (published 2004-OCT).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Commercial Refrigeration. Mark Ellis & Associates, examines impact of MEPS levels proposed for October 2004 in Australia (published 2004-FEB as Report 2004/01).
Matching World's Best Regulated Efficiency Standards: Australia's success in adopting new refrigerator MEPS. Paper by Harrington and Holt presented to ACEEE 2002 (published 2002-AUG).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Household Refrigerators and Freezers. George Wilkenfeld and Associates, examines impact of US2001 MEPS levels for 2005 in Australia (published 2001-AUG under Appliances).
A Comparative Assessment of Refrigerator Test Methods, paper by Harrington presented to ECEEE 2001, Provides insight into differences of major test methods and makes recommendations to improve refrigerator test methods (published 2001-JUN under Appliances).
Verification Testing - Household Refrigerators and Freezers: provides results of round robin tests in Australian labs for refrigerators and freezers - energy and performance (published 2001-MAR under Appliances).
MEPS Profile - Remote Commercial Refrigerators: proposes MEPS levels for a range of remote refrigeration equipment types (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Profile - Self Contained Commercial Refrigerators: proposes MEPS levels for a range of self contained refrigeration equipment types (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Technical Report - Remote Commercial Refrigeration, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on market, overseas programs, emissions, test procedures and program options (published 2000-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Technical Report - Self Contained Commercial Refrigeration, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on market, overseas programs, emissions, test procedures and program options (published 2000-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
Comparison of Household Refrigerator Efficiency Standards in the USA with those Proposed for Australia and Europe, paper by Harrington presented to ACEEE 1994 (published 1994-AUG under Appliances).

Standby

Synopsis: The E3 Committee is proposing a range of voluntary and, in some cases, mandatory measures reduce standby power consumption of appliances and equipment. Details of the standby program can be found on the standby page and a list of report can be found in the standby library index. A wide range of standby product profiles have been released. Ministers Campbell and Macfarlane announced in a media release in November 2006 that a mandatory limit of 1 Watt in standby would apply to all products by 2012. E3 is currently working towards this target.

Stoves and Cooktops

Synopsis: Electric stoves and cooktops are not currently regulated for energy efficiency. There are no proposals to regulate the efficiency of electric stoves and cooktops at this stage, although a range of voluntary efficiency measures has been proposed.

The following reports have been released for stoves and cooktops:

Options study - MEPS/labelling Possibilities for Stoves and Cook-tops, report to AGO by EnergyConsult. Report 2002/03 (published 2002-FEB).

Distribution Transformers

Synopsis: E3 introduced MEPS for certain distribution transformers on 1 October 2004. Details are contained in the MEPS profile and regulatory impact statement (see below) and in AS 2374.1.2-2003.

The following reports have been released for distribution transformers:

Transforming Transformers Brochure - Information for industry on mandatory efficiency requirements for distribution transformers. (published 2008-DEC).
Distribution Transformers - Proposal to Increase MEPS Levels - Technical Report Report 2007/17 (published 2007-OCT).
Regulatory Impact Statement: MEPS for Electricity Distribution Transformers. Report 2002/18 (published 2002-FEB).
MEPS Profile - Distribution Transformers: proposes MEPS levels for a range of distribution transformers which operate on 11k and 22kV systems from 10kVA to 2500 kVA (published 2001-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).
MEPS Technical Report - Distribution Transformers, detailed technical report by Mark Ellis & Associates gives data on market, overseas programs, emissions, test procedures and program options (published 2000-MAR under Commercial and Industrial).

Water Heaters (Electric)

Synopsis: Mains pressure electric water heaters were first regulated for MEPS in October 1999. E3 revised MEPS levels for small mains pressure electric water heaters (less than 80 litres) (a 30% reduction in heat loss from 1999 levels) in October 2005. E3 introduced MEPS for heat exchange and low pressure pressure water heaters in October 2005. Details are available on the water heater MEPS page and AS/NZS4692.2. MEPS levels for boiling and chilled water dispensers were proposed in October 2004 and work on a test procedure is under way.

The following reports have been released for electric water heaters:

Towards a National Hot Water Strategy Report 2005/21 (published 2005-Sep).
Notice of new MEPS levels for miscellaneous and mains pressure electric water heaters. Letter from the E3 Committee Chair reporting on the regulatory and communication processes to date with respect to the proposed minimum energy performance standard regulations for certain electric water heaters.
MEPS Profile - Boiling and Chilled Water Dispensers - This report proposes MEPS for boiling and chilled water dispensers. Report 2004/16 (published 2004-OCT).
Regulatory Impact Statement - Revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Miscellaneous Electric Water Heaters. Report 2004/03 (published 2004-JUL).
Regulatory Impact Statement - Revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Small Electric Storage Water Heaters. Report 2003/09 (published 2003-AUG).
Energy Labelling of Domestic Electric Storage Water Heaters: Options. Report 2002/13 (published 2002-OCT).
MEPS Profile - Consideration of Miscellaneous Electric Water Heaters For Minimum Energy Performance Standards, The E3 Committee MEPS proposal - MEPS proposals for low pressure, heat exchanger, instantaneous electric, solar water heaters and unboosted storage tanks, boiling water units (published 2001-OCT under Appliances).
MEPS Profile - Review of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Mains Pressure Electric Resistance Storage Water Heaters, revised MEPS options for mains pressure electric storage water heaters (excludes small storage <80L) (published 2001-OCT under Appliances).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Alternative Strategies for Small Electric Storage Water Heaters (published 2001-JUN under Appliances).
International Review of Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Electric Resistance Storage Water Heaters. Report for the E3 Committee and the AGO, prepared by Lloyd Harrington, Energy Efficient Strategies and Paul Ryan, EnergyConsult, 7 May 2001 (published 2001-MAY under Appliances).
MEPS Profile - Commercial Water Heaters: examines MEPS options for a range of commercial water heater types including gas, electric and boiling water units (published 2001-MAR under Appliances).
Miscellaneous Water Heaters - MEPS Technical Support Document, prepared by Mark Ellis & Associates, provides technical and market background to MEPS proposals (published 2001-MAR under Appliances).
Improving on Electric Water Heater Efficiency. Energy Partners et al study for the E3 Committee - options to reduce heat losses for small electric storage water heaters <80L (published 2000-MAY under Appliances).

Wet Products

E3 Proposal for Clothes Washer Round Robin draft for comment - May 2007.
Development of a Global Standard for the Testing of Clothes Washers - Stage 1 - Load and Detergent detailing the development of the test method. Technical report (published 2006-SEP)
RIS - inclusion of standby power in the energy ratings of clothes washers & dishwashers. Report 2006/05 (published 2006-MAY)
Method for the Determination of Rinse Performance in Clothes Washers - technical report detailing the development of the test method. Prepared by EES for DEH.
Inclusion of Standby Power into the Energy Label CEC: Wet Products - various discussion papers are available.

Other Products

A range of other products have been considered for regulation.

MEPS Profile - Swimming Pool & Spa Equipment - This report proposes MEPS for swimming pool & spa equipment. Report 2004/12 (published 2004-OCT).

General Reports

The following reports, which cover multiple products or which relate to energy efficiency programs in general, have been released. Note also that many general reports are included under the "GENERAL" category in the E3 Committee electronic library - these reports are not included here.

Appliance Performance Labelling In Australia and New Zealand. Reports labelling awareness for all main label types (electricity, gas, water, Energy Star), prepared by Winton Sustainable Research for E3, Report 2006/08 (published 2006-AUG).
Greening Whitegoods 2005 - main report and appendices, prepared by EES for the E3 Committee, tracks sales weighted efficiency trends for major appliances. Report 2006/06 (published 2006-JUL).
Energy Rating Labelling Program Audit (Whitegoods and Airconditioners), reports the compliance level of labels affixed to appliances in retail stores. The most recent reports for 2004/2005 are available as well as results from 2000/2001 and 1998.
Energy Label Transition - The Australian Experience, report by EES for the E3 Committee, provides documentation on the energy label change to the new design in 2000 Report 2004/05).
Energy Labelling and Standards Programs Throughout the World, report by EES and EnergyConsult for the E3 Committee, provides brief overview of all major programs around the world (Version 2.0 published 2004-JUL, Report 2004/04).
Proposed National System of Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards for Selected Products: Regulatory Impact Statement). Prepared by George Wilkenfeld of George Wilkenfeld & Associates for Department of the Environment & Heritage.
A National Strategy for Consumer Product Resource Labelling in Australia. Prepared by George Wilkenfeld & Associates for AGO. December 2003: details.
Appliance Industry National Resource Labelling Project. Prepared by Mike O'Neill, BigStep! Services for AGO. December 2003: details.
Future Directions for Appliance Efficiency Labels in Australia and NZ, Artcraft Research, November 2003: details.
Appliance Electricity End-Use: Weather and Climate Sensitivity. Melissa Hart, Macquarie University, analysis of 1994 Pacific Power end use data as master thesis. Commissioned by AGO. (published 2002-JAN).
The Scope for Application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards to Additional Household Appliances, report by George Wilkenfeld and Associates for the E3 Committee, review MEPS options for washers, dryers, dishwashers, ACs and heaters. Report 2002/04 (published 2001-DEC).
Regulatory Impact Statement: Energy Labelling and MEPS for Household Electrical Appliances in Australia - examines impact of the introduction of model state regulations and the new energy label for introduction in 2000 (published 1999-FEB under Appliances).
Summary of Key Findings From the Second Qualitative Market Research Study regarding Appliance Energy Rating Labels - Artcraft Research: summary report on the second series of focus groups during new label redesign (published 1998-AUG under Appliances).
Strategic Study of Household Energy and Greenhouse Issues. By Alan Pears. Provides an overview of residential sector energy and potential for greenhouse emission reductions, prepared for Environment Australia (published 1998-JUN under Appliances).
Final Report on a Qualitative Market Research Study regarding Appliance Energy Rating Labels - Artcraft Research: report on the initial series of focus groups during new label redesign, looks at a wide range of design options (published 1998-APR under Appliances).
Appliance Energy Labelling Review Committee: Support Documentation. Overview of all major issues considered in the label redesign leading up to 2000 (published 1998-FEB under Appliances).
Electric Appliance Energy Labelling - Estimated Costs and Benefits of Continuation, Abandonment or Enhancement - Wilkenfeld initial projections on the impact of energy labelling from 1997 to 2012 (published 1996-MAY under Appliances).
Benefits and Costs of Implementing Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Household Electrical Appliances in Australia, Wilkenfeld technical report which was used as the basis for refrigerator and water heater MEPS which were introduced in 1999 (published 1993-JUL under Appliances).

This page last modified 26 June 2009