Legislation

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was passed in May 2000, with strong support from government. For the first time New Zealand had a legislative basis for promoting energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy.

The Act established the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to promote energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy across all sectors of the economy.

It also empowered the preparation of regulations around product energy efficiency standards and labelling. The Act introduced regulations requiring industry to disclose information so that energy use statistics can be compiled.

The Act mandated the development of the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. The draft Strategy was issued in March 2001. It received 339 submissions, the majority of which supported the move towards a sustainable energy future. The final Strategy was released on 27 September 2001.

The Strategy addresses requirements under the Act and contributes to government’s energy, environmental and social policy agendas.