The E3 Program
The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is a cross jurisdictional program through which the Australian Government, states and territories and the New Zealand Government collaborate to deliver a single, integrated program on energy efficiency standards and energy labelling for equipment and appliances.
Latest News
http://www.energyrating.gov.au
We Have Moved
But our great service remains the same!
We have moved to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Here are a few more details to help you stay in touch.
Lighting Regulation
Changes are coming!
In April 2018, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council agreed to further improve lighting energy efficiency regulation by phasing out inefficient halogen lamps (light bulbs) in Australia and introducing minimum standards for LED lamps in line with EU standards in Australia and New Zealand.
Displaying the Label
How you display your label matters
If you are supplying or selling products in Australia regulated for energy efficiency under the GEMS Act, you have legal obligations to make sure these products are registered. In addition, some products require an Energy Rating Label to be displayed correctly at point of sale.
In Case You Missed It
The New Refrigerated Cabinets Determination
From 15 August 2020, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 will come into force in Australia. Read more...
Featured Video
Selling appliances with an Energy Rating Label? Watch this quick overview to understand your legal obligations when displaying the Energy Rating Label on your products in store.
Watch more videos on our Energy Rating or GEMS Regulator YouTube channels.
Subscribe to the channels to receive notifications when new videos are released.
Featured Document
E3 Achievements Report 2018-2019
The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program undertakes a range of activities to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Read more...
Visit Us Online
Contact Us
Past editions available on the Energy Rating website.
Our mailing address is:
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
GPO Box 2013
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
The Efficiency Standard-December 2019
http://www.energyrating.gov.au
Latest News
2019 In Review
Looking back on the year that was
2019 was a big year for the GEMS Regulator, with four new product determinations, a new energy rating label, and the release of the final report from the GEMS Act Review, to name but a few of our big achievements of the year.
Changes for the Regulator
The GEMS Regulator is on the move in 2020
On Thursday 5 December, 2019, the Prime Minister of Australia announced significant changes to the structure of the Australian Public Service that will impact the GEMS Regulator, but not our service.
Expression of Interest: NatHERS Technical and Stakeholder Groups
NaTHERS is looking for industry experts
The Administrator of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is looking for industry experts from the appliance and solar industries to join their technical and stakeholder groups.
Updated Service Charter
Better service standards are here
The updated Service Charter for the GEMS Regulator outlines the standard of service that suppliers and other stakeholders can expect when working with the GEMS Regulator.
Update on Refrigerated Cabinets Determination
The new Determination is in force in August 2020
Schedule 2 of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 lists what models will be affected by the new regulations.
Holiday Shutdown
The Energy Rating Team is taking a break
The Energy Rating Team will be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period. As a result, the team will be unable to answer any enquiries or process any product applications until the New Year.
In Case You Missed It
'Smart' Demand Response Decision RIS ApprovedOn 22 November 2019, the COAG Energy Council agreed to introduce demand response capability requirements for certain products. Read more...
Efficiency Standard Survey
Take part in our Efficiency Standard survey to let us know what you think of the newsletter. The survey will close on December 31, 2019. Read more...
Featured Documents
Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019
Check out the new Determination for refrigerated cabinets and see if your model will be affected by the new requirements.
Visit Us Online
View this email in your browser
Past editions available on the Energy Rating website.
Subscribe
Latest News
http://www.energyrating.gov.au
'Smart' Demand Response Decision
New demand response requirements for selected products
On 22 November 2019, the COAG Energy Council agreed to introduce demand response capability requirements for air conditioners, electric storage water heaters (resistive), devices controlling swimming pool pump units and electric vehicle charger/discharger controllers.
E3RC Committee Update
The committee met in October in Canberra
The Equipment Energy Efficiency Review Committee (E3RC) met on October 24th in Canberra. Items for discussion included the Independent Review of the GEMS Act, Demand Response Capabilities for Selected Appliances and GEMS Registration.
Air Conditioner Information Sessions
Presentation videos and material now available
We have published the videos and presentation materials from the recent Air Conditioner Information Sessions that were held around Australia in August and September.
Basics of Efficient Lighting
New edition of the training guide now available
A revised edition of the Training Guide: The Basics of Efficient Lighting now is available to download. The guide was revised in recognition of the significant changes in lighting technology since the first edition in 2009.
2019 Energy Efficiency Expo
The first expo to be held by the Energy Efficiency Council
The Expo was held in Melbourne from 23-24 October, 2019. Topics included a presentation on the regulatory changes for new and existing buildings, how they interact and what can be done to support consumers.
GEMS Compliance Update
Check testing and market surveillance results
Check testing results and market surveillance results for January to June 2019 have been released. In addition, the Regulator has also released the GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program for 2019-2020.
Registration Payment Update
A new surcharge applies to Visa Debit cards
From 1 November 2019, a new surcharge came into effect for all VISA Debit and Prepaid cards. The surcharge increases from the previous rate of 0.43% to 0.63%.
In Case You Missed It
Efficiency Standard Survey
All readers are invited to take part in a quick five minute survey on The Efficiency Standard newsletter to help us gauge what you want from this newsletter. The survey has been extended to 31 December 2019. Read more...
GEMS Review Final Report Released
The Australian Government has released the Final Report of the Independent Review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act). Read more...
Featured Video
New Refrigerated Cabinets Determination
New Determination released for refrigerated cabinets
On 15 August 2019, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Cabinets) Determination 2019 was released in Australia. It includes a number of changes to the regulation of refrigerated cabinets, such as the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) and the inclusion of refrigerated storage cabinets, small ice-cream freezer cabinets and scooping cabinets.
2019 Household Refrigeration Determination
New Determination released for household refrigerators and freezers
On 15 August 2019, the replacement Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Household Refrigerating Appliances) Determination 2019 was released. This new Determination includes changes such as the alignment of MEPS with US standards.
Farewell Michelle
Michelle Croker steps down as GEMS Regulator
Michelle is moving on to pursue new endeavours within the Department of the Environment and Energy.
Consultation: Air Conditioners Above 65kW
Exposure draft Determination released
Public comment is sought on the exposure draft of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Air Conditioners above 65kW) Determination.
Consultation: Demand Response for Selected Appliances
Consultation paper released for feedback
The consultation paper examines the benefits of making selected appliances demand response capable.
Efficiency Standard Survey
We want your feedback on this newsletter
All readers of The Efficiency Standard are invited to take part in a quick five minute survey on The Efficiency Standard to help us gauge what we are doing well and what we can improve on.
Fine Food Australia 2019
Come and see us at Fine Food Australia
Representatives of the GEMS Regulator and New Zealand's Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) will be at Fine Foods Australia in Sydney from 9-12 September to discuss the recent changes to the regulation of refrigerated cabinets.
Sustainable House Day
Check out Australia's leading sustainable homes
Sunday 15 September is Sustainable House Day, and hundreds of Australia's leading sustainable homes are opening their doors
The Efficiency Standard E3
Air conditioner Determination signed
New label and MEPS for under 65kW models
The Federal Energy Minister signed a new Determination for air conditioners under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 in late March 2019. This follows the agreement of COAG Energy Ministers in December 2018 to further improve regulations on air conditioners. The Determination introduces a new energy rating label for air conditioners and revised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for portable air conditioners.
Check testing GEMS products
New report shows 75 per cent of products comply
The Check Testing Results – July 2018 to December 2018 report has been published. During this time, check testing was completed on 24 models of GEMS products. Of the models tested, 18 met the relevant GEMS level requirements and energy efficiency claims.
GEMS registration applications
Now all processed by Victoria
Since the inception of the GEMS legislation in 2012, the Queensland and Victorian state governments have shared the processing of applications for registration for most products. The exception is motors applications which are processed by the Federal Government in Canberra.
2018: The E3 Program in review
As the year draws to a close and thoughts turn to rest and relaxation, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved in 2018 with the E3 Program.
The COAG Energy Council agreed to strengthen regulations on air conditioners and lighting and introduce regulations on swimming pool pumps. An incredible amount of work goes into developing the Regulation Impact Statements upon which these decisions were based, work that can extend over a number of years and involves extensive consultation with industry.
Significant progress was also made towards implementation of Decision RIS’s agreed in 2017, on commercial refrigeration and household refrigerators and freezers particularly. And the independent review of the GEMS Act commenced, with its draft report finding that GEMS has proven effective at reducing costs for consumers.
Not to mention the achievements of our GEMS regulatory activity, which you can read about further in the full article below.
It’s fair to say it’s been an incredibly busy year for the E3 Program and that pace looks set to continue into 2019. But for now, I wish all in the E3 community a restful break with family and friends over the Christmas period.
Michelle Croker
The GEMS Regulator
New regulations for air conditioners
Energy ministers agree to Decision RIS
COAG Energy Council ministers agreed to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on air conditioners when they met on 19 December 2018. Tightening regulations on the energy efficiency of air conditioners will have a significant impact on households, with 40 per cent of their average energy use going to heating and cooling.
Raising pool pumps' energy efficiency
New regulations given the green light
New swimming pool pump regulations are expected to be introduced in 2020, following COAG Energy Ministers' agreement to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on 19 December 2018. The cost to households of running a pool pump is around 18 per cent of energy bills.
Energy efficiency on the agenda in Sweden
International collaboration through the IEA 4E
Proposals for new projects on power semiconductors and on product energy efficiency trends were on the table at the recent meeting of the International Energy Agency’s Energy Efficient End-use Equipment (4E) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Registration system update
New videos and enhancements to GEMS 'Help' resources
The GEMS Regulator continues its commitment to providing relevant, contextual assistance for registrants in the registration system through recent updates to the system’s Help section.
An engaging finish to 2018
GEMS Compliance continues to work with industry
In the latter half of 2018, GEMS inspectors were invited to attend meetings of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA) and the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association (CESA).
GEMS Christmas shutdown
Helpdesk services unavailable
The Energy Rating Team will be taking a break over Christmas to ‘recharge their batteries’ for 2019. The Helpdesk will be closed from Monday the 24th of December 2018, reopening on Wednesday the 2nd of January 2019. During this period, the assessment of registrations will also be on hold. The Energy Rating Team wishes all GEMS registrants a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Take part in the GEMS Review to improve Australia’s energy efficiency
Consultation period on draft report begins
An independent review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is underway to ensure the Act remains appropriate and effective. The review’s draft report, released in November 2018, demonstrates that the GEMS Act has proven effective at reducing costs for consumers and contains a number of recommendations to strengthen the operation of the Act. The Government encourages stakeholders to continue to participate in this independent review by making a submission on the draft report. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Friday 21 December 2018. Public consultation sessions will be held over 3 - 6 December 2018.
Air Conditioning Compliance
Enforceable undertaking accepted
An undertaking has been accepted from Seeley International Pty Ltd in response to alleged non-compliance with a GEMS level requirement. Check testing by the GEMS Regulator found that the annual energy efficiency ratio for cooling at rated capacity declared in Seeley's registration was not accurate.
Hot Water Consultation
Policy framework and roadmap released
E3 is proposing a move towards energy efficient hot water systems that reduce household energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. A policy framework and five year roadmap have been released for comment. Public consultation meetings were held during late November. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Monday 10 December 2018.
Refrigerated Cabinets
Consultation on Exposure DraftE3 is seeking stakeholder views on an exposure draft of the proposed replacement Determination for refrigerated display cabinets, storage cabinets and ice cream freezers. Written submissions are due by 5pm AEDT Friday 14 December 2018.
Electric Motors
Replacement Determination released
On 14 November 2018, the replacement GEMS (Three Phase Cage Induction Motors) Determination 2018 was published. There will be a six month transition period during which suppliers can register motors under either the 2012 Determination or the replacement 2018 Determination.
Household Refrigerators
Energy Modelling Methodology
Work is underway to introduce tighter minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and adopt the international test standard for household refrigerators and freezers. This follows Energy Ministers' agreement in late 2017 to the Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) – Household Refrigerators and Freezers.
Our mailing address is:
Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
Consultation Open: Registering Chillers
Consultation Paper For Liquid Chilling Packages.
We’ve released a consultation paper to resolve some of the issues with chillers under the GEMS Act and we are holding public consultation meetings in July.
The current approach to registering chillers is not suited to the bespoke nature of these products. E3 is proposing a move toward international harmonisation, and we welcome your views!
New Draft Standard
Household Refrigerator and Freezer Draft Standard Released.
Standards Australia’s draft Household refrigerating appliances - Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standards requirements published.
Watch This Space
Compliance Updates
The GEMS Compliance team are reviewing the Energy Rating website to ensure you can easily access information on monitoring, investigation and enforcement under the GEMS Act.
GEMS Satisfaction Survey
Thank you to those who submitted feedback.
The third annual GEMS stakeholder satisfaction survey has shown continuing high levels of satisfaction with registration and enquiry functions.
Our mailing address is:
Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
COAG Energy Ministers Meeting
Outcomes of COAG Energy Ministers Meeting – Lighting and Motors.
Energy efficiency regulations under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 already deliver more than $1 billion in savings to the Australian economy and reduce harmful emissions by 11.8 million tonnes each year. This saves the average Australian household over $140 each year.
GEMS Regulator YouTube Channel and Registration Videos
The GEMS Regulator launches YouTube channel.
The new YouTube channel kicks off with the release of the first in a series of new step-by-step help videos, designed to help registrants navigate the registration system and meet their registration requirements.
New E3 Project: Hot Water Systems
Exploring new standards and labelling for hot water systems.
The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is leading a project to develop a high level policy roadmap for hot water systems.
Retailers and Labelling Requirements
Displaying the Energy Rating Label (ERL).
While GEMS Inspectors are finding most products are displaying an Energy Rating Label, a number of stores are obscuring the ERL and, consequently, no longer meet GEMS labelling requirements.
Third Annual GEMS Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey
It’s nearly time once again for our annual stakeholder satisfaction survey.
Over the last two years we have benefitted from your feedback on our registration and enquiry services. Read the full article for the changes implemented over the past year using your previous survey feedback.
Copyright © 2018 Department of the Environment and Energy, All rights reserved.
You've subscribed to our newsletter for information updates from www.energyrating.gov.au
update subscription preferences
Our mailing address is:
Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
Independent Review Of The GEMS Act 2012
Consultation Period Open
The Australian Government is undertaking an independent review of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act). The review invites public submissions on the Discussion Paper.
|
Supplying GEMS Products
Registration Compliance
GEMS Inspectors have recently undertaken a number of visits to retail stores as part of the GEMS Compliance Monitoring Program.
|
Our Fifth Anniversary
Does your registration require renewal?
Did you know the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is now over five years old? So what, you ask? Well, product registrations last for five years. This means many registrations may have recently expired, or will soon to expire.
Motors Determination: Exposure Draft Three phase electric motors
The Australian Government is proposing to change the energy efficiency regulations applicable to three phase electric motors. More details of this proposal can be accessed here.
Check Testing Of GEMS Products
The results are in
The GEMS Regulator finalized the check tests of 45 models across 10 GEMS products.
Our mailing address is: Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
The Efficiency Standard
November / December 2017
COAG Energy Ministers Meeting
Changes to household refrigerators and freezers and refrigerated display and storage cabinets regulations
Following COAG decisions the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program is working with stakeholders to revise the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Refrigerated Display Cabinets) Determination 2012 and the standards and Determination for Household Refrigerating Appliances.
· FULL ARTICLE - HOUSEHOLD REFREGERATORS AND FREEZERS ·
· FULL ARTICLE - REFRIGERATED DISPLAY AND STORAGE CABINETS ·
IEA 4E Outcomes
Outcomes from the forum held in Canberra on 13-17 October
Australia will lead an international community of practice relating to Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement activities.
Check Testing of GEMS Products
Compliance Monitoring Program
A key aspect of the GEMS Regulator's comprehensive compliance monitoring program is the annual post-market check testing of GEMS products.
E3 Achievements 2016-17
The E3 achievements report has been released
Over the past 12 months, the E3 Program contributed more than $1 billion to the Australian economy and $114 million to the New Zealand economy in avoided energy costs. Combined, an estimated 11.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions avoided per annum!
Fees Review
Registration and compliances services
The Department of the Environment and Energy has released a supplementary paper as part of the review of the fees associated with the delivery of registration and compliance services under the Greenhouse and Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act).
E3 Prioritisation 2017-18
Update to the E3 prioritisation plan
The E3 Prioritisation Plan has been updated, reflecting the policy priorities for the E3 Program in 2017–18.
Suppliers' Guide
Chinese version of the Suppliers' Guide updated
The Chinese version of the Suppliers’ Guide has been updated to reflect the most recent English version. Accessible via this link
Christmas Shutdown
The Energy Rating Team
The Energy Rating Team will be unavailable from 23 December 2017 to 1 January 2018 inclusive.
Our mailing address is:
Department of the Environment and Energy
P.O. Box 787
Canberra, ACT 2601
Australia
Lighting – Updated policy positions
Document for comment
On 13 September 2017, a Lighting – Updated policy positions document was released for stakeholder comment. This document provides an overview on the feedback received on the Lighting Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS), updates policy positions, and provides a basis for further consultation with industry, community and other stakeholders. It also provides more technical detail on some proposals outlined in the CRIS.
Cancelled Registrations List
GEMS Compliance
An updated list of GEMS registrations that have been suspended or cancelled as a result of failing GEMS compliance testing is available from the Check Testing page on the Energy Rating website. The list covers 31 cancellations across 10 product types.
Dishwasher Test Standard
Report on international standard IEC 60436
Consistent results have been received across four Australian laboratories testing dishwasher energy consumption to the international standard. The E3 program funded tests of the same dishwasher units to check the reliability and repeatability of testing.
Air Conditioner Climate Zones
Residential and commercial climate files
Planned new Zoned Energy Rating Labels will have air conditioner energy performance information for different climates. In preparation for this change, data for use in the calculation of climate zone information is available on the Energy Rating website.
GEMS Service Delivery
Registration and enquiry turn-around times
The Energy Rating team are committed to improving their service levels for GEMS registrants. In August 2017, it took an average of 1.46 days for the processing of registration applications and an average of 0.56 days to respond to enquiries.
Impacts of the E3 Program
New infographic
Ever wondered about how effective the E3 Program is? Between 2000 and 2015, it was responsible for $5 billion in net benefits to the Australian economy! The program has saved 23 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from being released - that's the equivalent of taking over a million cars off the road. And it has done so at a cost of only 11 cents per tonne of CO2 saved from being released. The average Australian household benefits from the program too, saving more than $90 a year on electricity bills.
2016-17 Market Surveillance Results
Labelling and registration compliance
Thirty per cent more GEMS products of models were inspected in the 2016-17 financial year than the previous, with eighty-seven per cent found to have been correctly registered.
Report on LED Policies
Lessons learned from around the world
In a new report, the IEA 4E SSL Annex shares lessons learned from government policies bringing LEDs to market. The report is intended to inform and encourage policies and programs around the world to accelerate the uptake and supply of high quality and energy efficient LEDs.
Help for GEMS Registrants
Improved application form
The Energy Rating Team is continuing to make product registration easier for registrants by commencing the second stage of help improvements. The yellow help boxes that appear when you click on the question mark symbol next to a question in a registration application are being updated.
Connected Efficiency Award
Call for nominations
The SEAD Connected Efficiency Award aims to identify energy efficient protocols in the market, increase their use in mains-powered connected devices, and spur innovation among protocols developers. Nominations close 31 August 2017.
Improved service to stakeholders
2016-17 GEMS satisfaction survey results
The efforts of the Energy Rating Team to improve service levels for stakeholders are paying off! Overall satisfaction levels reported in the 2016-17 GEMS Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey are up significantly, from 77 per cent last year to 84 per cent. This trend was echoed across most areas covered in the survey. For the first time, respondents were asked about their satisfaction with GEMS monitoring and compliance. The GEMS Regulator thanks those who completed the survey as the feedback provided is invaluable in informing ongoing efforts to improve the program.
Commercial refrigeration
Update on industry consultation and next steps
Consultation on the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) for commercial refrigeration took place in August 2016. Since then, NZ's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has convened a technical working group to consider if any technical alterations to the standards and regulations are required, and to advise on implementation.
E3 at International Lighting Conference
Talking with industry stakeholders
As one of a trifecta of firsts, the E3 Program staffed a booth at the SPARC-FMA International Lighting & Facilities Event, held for the first time in Sydney’s new International Convention Centre in May-June 2017.
Market Surveillance 2016-17
GEMS Compliance snapshot
As the financial year wraps up, GEMS Inspectors are finalising a report of their market surveillance activity during 2016-17. Inspectors have been busier than ever this year, covering more products, more retailers and a greater geographical area than in previous years.
International lighting standard
New IEA report on CIE S 025
A new report from the International Energy Agency 4E SSL Annex (of which Australia is a member) considers the new international standard (CIE S 025/E:2015), Test Method for LED Lamps, LED Luminaires and LED Modules.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Consultation: Refrigerators & freezers
Have your say
The E3 Program has released a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) that considers policy proposals to improve the energy efficiency of household refrigerators and freezers in Australia and New Zealand. The current regulations have largely achieved their objective by promoting the development and use of more energy efficient refrigerators and freezers than would have been the case under business as usual (BAU). However, a regulatory failure exists because current minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) levels are set too low for Australia’s and New Zealand’s markets. Additionally, the regionally-specific test standard for refrigerators and freezers is resulting in an unnecessarily high regulatory burden. Interested parties have until Sunday 28 May 2017 to provide comment.