On Friday 19 July 2024 the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council considered changes to energy efficiency programs. They agreed to recommendations put forward to them by the department and supported by the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program.
This includes developing an E3 Program strategy. The strategy includes creating a forward plan and prioritising projects for the next 10 years.
It will continue to enable consumers and businesses to make more informed choices on:
- purchasing appliances and equipment
- promoting energy efficiency
- reducing emissions.
The Ministers agreed to:
- increase the minimum energy performance standards that apply to televisions and computer monitors
- introduce energy efficiency requirements for digital signage displays.
They also agreed to updated minimum energy performance standards for the following products:
- mains voltage halogen lamps - which will effectively phase out this lighting technology
- dishwashers
- washing machines
- rotary clothes dryers.
In 2022-23, the GEMS scheme in Australia reduced electricity consumption by between 5.5 and 8.5 gigawatt hours. This saved Australian households and businesses between $1.3 and $2.1 billion.
Emissions were also reduced by between 4.2 and 6.5 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The E3 Program is a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory and New Zealand Governments. It has been in operation for over 20 years.
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is the underpinning legislation for the E3 Program in Australia.
The GEMS Act regulates the energy efficiency of certain appliances and equipment in Australia. New Zealand implements this work through a separate national legislative framework.
