External Power Supplies
MEPS proposed for external power supplies
As part of the joint Australia/New Zealand Equipment Energy Efficiency programme (E3), EECA is currently investigating a proposal to mandate the energy performance of external power supplies (EPS) through introducing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) into regulation. External power supply units manufactured or imported for sale in New Zealand will be required to meet the MEPS.
External power supply units are also known as ‘a.c. adaptors’, ‘plug packs’ or ‘power packs’. These units are used to power and/or recharge a wide range of equipment, ranging from laptop computers and many computer peripherals, mobile phones, through to home alarm systems and garden and Christmas lights.
New MEPS introduction dates
The proposed implementation date for MEPS for EPS will now be delayed from October 2008 to December 2008 in Australia and April 2009 in New Zealand.
The revised implementation date is to account for a small delay in the expected publication of amendments to the Standards (AS/NZS4665 Parts 1 and 2), whilst still working towards regulating this product as soon as possible so that suppliers who have committed to the October date will not be disadvantaged by a long delay.
In New Zealand, a December implementation date would be shortly after an election. To allow for this and to provide certainty to New Zealand-based suppliers, the regulations for EPS are now proposed to come into effect in New Zealand from April 2009.
How will the new MEPS be implemented?
In order to implement MEPS for external power supplies in New Zealand, the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) 2002 (the Regulations) will be amended to incorporate the following Standards:
AS/NZS 4665 Performance of external power supplies:
- 4665.1: Test method and energy performance mark
- 4665.2: Minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) requirements
The Standards will apply to external power supplies that connect to the mains supply and have a single output at extra low voltage (ELV), either a.c. or d.c., with a maximum output of 250 Watts, manufactured or imported for sale in New Zealand. Full details of the products covered are published in the Australia/New Zealand Standard, available in two parts from Standards New Zealand.
Before implementation in the Regulations, these Standards will be amended to incorporate recent recommendations by the E3 Committee, as outlined below.
Regulatory Impact Statement and public comment
A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on this proposal was open for public comment in February and a number of submissions were received. Having considered these, the New Zealand and Australian agencies participating in the E3 programme will make the following recommendations to their respective Governments:
- That the implementation date be delayed until at least 1 December 2008 in Australia and 1 April 2009 in New Zealand;
- That the requirement for AC-AC EPS to meet the no-load criteria be removed from the Standard (AS/NZS 4665) and therefore the regulation;
- That the Standard be amended to remove testing and marking requirements at 115 Vac;
- That mandatory performance-marking specifications within the Standard be amended to allow compliance marking at 230 Vac only for EPS capable of multi-voltage input;
- That a simplified registration model be established, requiring less information, thus reducing time and expense in registering products. This is reflected in draft amendments to AS/NZS4665;
- Stakeholders also questioned the definition of family of models in the Standard. Amendments to the Standard have been drafted to better define individual models, families of models and multi-switch models, again to reduce the time and expense involved to register products.
The E3 anticipates work will be completed and the amendments to the Standard will be published in the next three to four months. It is also planned to have the registration system available from July for advanced registrations on www.energyrating.gov.au.
If you have any further queries about this please do not hesitate to contact the Products team at EECA on 0800 358 676 or at regs@eeca.govt.nz.
Why are External Power Supplies being regulated?
A major source of energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand’s residential, commercial and industrial sectors is generated through the use of equipment and appliances.
Sales of products that have external power supplies are growing at a fast rate worldwide. Improved technology means that power supplies can now be manufactured to be significantly more energy efficient.
How will this affect me as an importer of External Power Supplies or products with External Power Supplies?
As an importer (or manufacturer) of external power supplies, or products with external power supplies, you will be required to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. This means you will be required to:
- Ensure all external power supplies within the scope of the standard, made available for sale in New Zealand on or after the date the standards come into force, meet the MEPS requirements. Transitional provisions will allow the continued sale of existing stock after this date.
- List all individual and families of models of external power supplies in New Zealand with EECA. To do this you must complete and submit the registration form in the Standard. The simplest way to do this is online at www.energyrating.gov.au. It is free to list in New Zealand. Please note: because New Zealand operates a joint energy efficiency programme with Australia, sharing standards and a website, models registered in Australia do not need to be listed in New Zealand.
- Every year you will be required to provide statistical information to EECA about total sales for each model you sell. This allows EECA to track improvements in energy efficiency across the product class.
The rules covering your obligations can be found in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. (Please note that external power supplies are not currently listed in the schedules of the regulations but will be included in an amendment prior to implementation of the new MEPS).
How will this affect me as a retailer of external power supplies?
You will not be able to make available for sale, lease, hire or hire purchase in New Zealand an external power supply that does not comply with the Standard.
Trans-Tasman programme
As part of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NEECS), the products programme at EECA coordinates the development and implementation of energy efficiency standards for a range of products.
EECA works with the Australian federal and state agencies on a joint programme (the Equipment Energy Efficiency Programme) to improve the energy efficiency of a range of household equipment, as well as commercial and industrial equipment. This energy efficiency work delivers economic and environmental benefits to both countries.
The main tools used to achieve this are:
- Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
- Energy Performance Labelling (MEPL)
- Energy Star® endorsement mark.
If you require more information, contact the products team at EECA on 0800 358 676.