Australia's Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) due to expire

The New Zealand and Australian governments jointly administer certain standards under the E3 (Equipment Energy Efficiency) programme. In Australia it is standard process for product regulations to sunset after they have been in place for 10 years.

The Regulations may be renewed if a review finds sufficient reason for a regulation to continue. Systematic reviews of regulations ensures they remain cost effective, and are still achieving energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

As the New Zealand Act does not have sunsetting provisions, New Zealand is not obliged to follow the sunsetting decisions made by Australia.

However, there are many benefits to having consistent product regulations on both sides of the Tasman and, unless there is good reason otherwise, New Zealand will adopt the Australian position on sunsetting of products.

Why we are consulting

Six product regulations have been reviewed. These regulations are all due to expire in Australia by 2025 and were reviewed for their effectiveness and efficiency.

This review was an assessment to understand if the regulations should expire, be renewed, unchanged or revised.

Regulations that are identified as suitable for revision may be subject to a Regulation Impact Statement process.

Open Consultations

The two lighting determinations are now open for public feedback until 21 May 2022.

For further information and to make a submission head to Australia's consultation hub.(external link)

Sunsetting Determinations

Determination	Expiry Date	Consultation Closes
Power (Distribution) transformers	1 April 2023	Closed
Set top boxes	1 April 2023	Closed
Computer monitors	1 October 2024	Closed
External power supplies	1 April 2025	Closed
Transformers and electronic step-down converters for extra low voltage (ELV) lamps	1 April 2023	21 May 2022
Ballasts for fluorescent lamps	1 April 2023	21 May 2022

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- Distribution transformers
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) are consulting on policy options to improve the energy efficiency of distribution transformers in New Zealand and Australia.
- Electronic Displays: televisions, computer monitors, and digital signage displays
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on whether to update the MEPS and MEPL requirements for electronic displays.
- Australia's Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) due to expire
  EECA and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) are consulting on 6 products energy efficiency regulations that are due to sunset (expire) in Australia in the next few years.
- Residential space heaters in Australia and New Zealand
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- Smart appliances
  During 2019, E3 investigated whether all new air conditioners and heat pumps, electric hot water cylinders, and electric vehicle chargers sold in New Zealand should be demand response capable.
- LED lighting
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- Chillers
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- Industrial equipment (pumps, boilers and compressors)
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- Fans (non-domestic)
  In April 2019, E3 agreed to put the non-domestic fans project on hold.
- Commercial refrigeration
  In May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the E3 policy proposal to revise the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for commercial refrigeration. A process to amend current regulations is underway.
- Fridges & freezers (domestic)
  On 28 May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the proposed updates to regulations for Household Refrigeration products.
- Hot water systems
  EECA is leading a joint project with Australia to improve the energy efficiency of water heating in residential households under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Programme.
- Electric motors (three-phase)
  New Zealand Cabinet has agreed to update the requirements in line with an international test standard for registration of electric motors, streamlining the registration process for industry. An issues paper is being developed.
- Commercial ice makers
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