Three phase cage induction motors

The importance of three phase electric motors

Three phase electric motors and the systems they drive are estimated to account for 38% and 34% of electricity use in Australia and New Zealand respectively. Given the large amount of energy use, small efficiency gains can have a large impact.

Three phase electric motors are currently regulated for energy efficiency in Australia and New Zealand.

View the requirements in Australia(external link)

View the requirements in New Zealand

Consultation on policy options

The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) assesses policy options for increasing the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors (including motors embedded in or packaged with equipment) in Australia and New Zealand.

The options in the CRIS are presented to align internationally and include:

expanding the scope,
increasing the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), and
introducing information disclosure requirements.

The CRIS was developed by EECA on behalf of the E3 programme.

Consultation opened on the 17th of March 2025 and closes on the 28th of April 2025.

More information about the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme

View the three phase electric motors CRIS [PDF 1.6 MB]

Submissions can be provided to star@eeca.govt.nz. Submissions are subject to the terms below.

View DCCEEW's consultation page(external link)

There will be a consultation forum on the 2nd of April 2025, including an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed policy options and their implementation. This will be held jointly by EECA and DCCEEW online on Microsoft Teams.

If you are interested in joining the online forum, please email star@eeca.govt.nz no later than the 28th of March 2025 with the subject line: "Motors forum" and an invitation will be sent to you closer to the date for the forum.

Requirements of submissions

Data sharing

The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme is an inter-governmental initiative by the Australian Government, states and territories and the New Zealand Government to improve the energy efficiency of equipment.

EECA may share your consultation submission with E3 members, primarily, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Sharing of submissions is required to further develop policy options that align between Australia and New Zealand.

Information EECA shares with DCCEEW will be afforded the protections of the Australian Privacy Act 1988(external link) and the Archives Act 1983(external link). For more information, please visit DCCEEW’s Privacy Policy(external link).

The New Zealand Privacy Act 2020(external link) governs how your information is required to be collected, stored, used and shared.

DCCEEW and EECA may also share your information with parties involved in the development of policy options as well as other Australian Government agencies through data sharing relationships. Those parties are also bound by the mentioned New Zealand and Australian Acts.

If you do not want your information shared with DCCEEW, its service providers or other Australian Government entities, please specify this in your submission.

In-Confidence information

If you are sharing any in-confidence information in your submission and you do not want EECA to disclose it to any other parties, please specify this in your submission.

Privacy

The New Zealand Privacy Act 2020(external link) governs how your information is required to be collected, stored, used and shared. Please refer to EECA’s Privacy Policy(external link) to learn how we collect and handle data.

Official Information Act

Under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA), information held by EECA is to be made available to requestors unless there are grounds for withholding it. The grounds for withholding information are outlined in the OIA.

If you are making a submission, you may wish to indicate any grounds for withholding information. Reasons for withholding information could include information that is commercially sensitive or personal (such as names or contact details). An automatic confidentiality disclaimer from your IT system will not be considered grounds for withholding information.

EECA will consider you preference when determining whether to release information. Any decisions to withhold information requested under the OIA may be reviewed by the Ombudsman.

Past work

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Regulatory requirements under review
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- Distribution transformers
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted 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
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on a Space Heating Comparison Methodology
- 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
  On 28 April 2018, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council Ministers, alongside New Zealand Minister of Energy and Resources - Megan Woods, agreed to introduce minimum standards for LED lamps that align with European Union regulations.
- Air conditioners & heat pumps
  In May 2019, New Zealand Cabinet approved the E3 policy proposal to revise the MEPS and energy labeling requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps. A process to amend current regulations is underway.
- Chillers
  An E3 project to review the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for chillers has been initiated. A consultation Regulatory Impact Statement will be developed.
- Industrial equipment (pumps, boilers and compressors)
  The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme has primarily targeted household electrical equipment. The E3 Programme is in the initial stages of investigating potential regulations for industrial equipment.
- 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.
- Three phase cage induction motors
  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 three phase electric motors in New Zealand and Australia.
- Commercial ice makers
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on whether to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for commercial ice makers.
- External power supplies
  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 external power supplies in New Zealand and Australia.