Gas water heaters
MEPS for gas water heaters proposed from 1 October 2008
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and Australian government agencies responsible for product energy efficiency are currently investigating whether to mandate the energy performance of gas water heaters. This proposal forms part of the ongoing work of the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme.
As a partner in the E3 programme, the New Zealand government has made a commitment to introduce energy efficiency regulations for products in alignment with Australia. This ensures the same regulations for suppliers and manufacturers on both sides of the Tasman.
The proposal is to mandate a minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for gas water heaters from 1 October 2008, equivalent to an energy rating of 5 stars under the existing Australian Standard AS 4552. If implemented, this would mean that only gas water heaters that meet the MEPS could be sold in New Zealand.
A cost benefit analysis has been developed to investigate the impacts of introducing a MEPS for gas water heaters into the Australian and New Zealand markets. Chapter 5 of the document provides analysis for New Zealand.
>> Download the Cost Benefit Analysis for Gas Water Heaters [PDF 1.89 MB]
Submissions have closed on the cost benefit analysis. The input given by stakeholders during consultation will help inform a full regulatory impact statement on the propsed MEPS for gas water heaters in Australia and New Zealand. The regulatory impact statement will be available for public comment.
How will this affect me as an importer or manufacturer of gas water heaters?
If the proposal proceeds, as an importer or manufacturer of gas water heaters you will be required to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. This means you will be required to:
- Ensure all gas water heaters within the scope of the proposal, made available for sale in New Zealand on or after the date the proposal comes into force, meet the MEPS. You will be allowed to sell existing stock after this date.
- List all gas water heaters you make available for sale in New Zealand with EECA. 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.
How will this affect me as a retailer of gas water heaters?
You will not be able to make available for sale, lease, hire or hire purchase in New Zealand a gas water heater that does not comply with the regulations.
If you require more information, please contact the products team at EECA on 0800 358 676.