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We’re consulting on options to improve the energy efficiency of external power supplies (also known as AC power adapters) being sold or supplied in Australia or New Zealand for use with electrical devices.

These options are outlined in the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) just released.

External power supplies connect an electrical device (such as a phone, laptop, or tablet) to a power point to charge the device. They are often sold with the device that they’re intended to charge. As such, consumers may be unable to choose the type of external power supply they are purchasing with a device.

The options examined in the RIS focus on aligning the regulation with international standards, including expanding the scope of products covered.

More efficient external power supplies would reduce the amount of electricity used to keep our devices charged. This would decrease electricity bills for households and business and reduce Australia’s and New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.

We welcome written submissions on any aspect of the RIS or the energy efficiency of external powers supplies.

Your feedback will help Energy Ministers to decide whether changes are needed to the energy efficiency requirements for external power supplies.

A public forum to discuss the RIS will be held at 12:30 to 2:30 pm AEDT, which is 2:30 to 4:30pm NZDT, on Thursday 3 April 2025. Register your interest to attend by emailing GEMSProductReview@dcceew.gov.au by Friday 28 March 2025.

Feedback and comments must be lodged by Monday 28 April 2025 using:

• For Australian stakeholders – the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s consultation website at CRIS on the energy efficiency of external power supplies
• For New Zealand stakeholders – by emailing star@eeca.govt.nz.