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We’re consulting on options to improve the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors being sold or supplied in Australia and New Zealand.

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

Three phase electric motors are used in a wide range of applications in the industrial and commercial sectors, often as pumps, compressors and conveyor belts.

The RIS looks at options to align Australian and New Zealand standards with international standards and European regulations. These include:

• increasing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
• increasing the scope to regulate larger and smaller three phase electric motors
• changing the registration requirements including the family of models definition
• introducing new labelling requirements including information disclosure requirements on product information sheets and registration number display requirements.

More efficient electric motors reduce the amount of electricity used in the commercial and industrial sectors. This decreases electricity bills for business and greenhouse gas emissions for Australia and New Zealand.

We welcome written submissions on any aspect of the RIS or the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors.

Your feedback will help Energy Ministers to decide whether changes are needed to the energy efficiency requirements for electric motors.

A public forum to discuss the RIS will be held at 12:30 to 2:30 pm AEDT, which is 2:30 to 4:30 pm NZDT, on Wednesday 2 April 2025. The forum will be led by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. Register your interest to attend by emailing star@eeca.govt.nz 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 E3 three phase cage induction motors consultation regulation impact statement
• For New Zealand stakeholders – by emailing star@eeca.govt.nz.