Energy Efficiency of Equipment

In recognition of the importance of conserving energy resources, energy labelling was introduced in 1988 for five major household appliances - Air-conditioners Clothes washers Clothes dryers  Dishwashers Refrigerator / Freezers

Energy labelling of domestic white goods and air-conditioners is mandatory throughout Australia. Energy labelling is designed to make energy efficiency of a product a key issue in its selection.

New prescribed electrical appliances in retail showrooms are required to display energy labels (star rating label) indicating their performance in terms of energy efficiency rating and annual energy consumption. This allows consumers to make comparisons between brands and models.

Another energy efficiency program is the application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).

Further information on the MEPS program together with energy efficient appliances and lists of current equipment registered for energy labelling are available at www.energyrating.gov.au

Legislation

Energy labelling is a legal requirement.

It is an offence to display for sale, offer for sale or sell new electrical equipment that is required to have an energy label which does not have that label displayed.

Compliance audits are regularly undertaken  of retail showrooms to ensure prescribed equipment is registered and correctly labelled.

Approval of energy labels or registration of MEPS for products manufactured or imported throughout Tasmania is not provided for by this department.

This function is provided by the:

• Office of the Energy Safe Victoria
• Department of Industrial Relations Electrical Safety, Queensland
• Office of the Technical Regulator, South Australia

Tasmania recognises approvals issued by these organisations.