Televisions

Proposed MEPS and Energy Rating Labelling from 2009

It is proposed that new minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and energy rating labels will be introduced for televisions of all sizes and technologies made available for sale in New Zealand and Australia. These measures are proposed to be put in place as early as April 2009.

Voluntary Energy Rating Labelling from late 2008

A voluntary energy rating label has been launched in Australia. Visit the Energy Rating website for information.

ENERGY STAR® for televisions

The new version 3.0 ENERGY STAR specification for TVs will be launched in New Zealand from 1 November 2008. The revised specification is co-ordinated via the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will cover both standby and active modes. TVs that qualify for this new specification will be up to 30% more efficient than those currently sold. You can visit the New Zealand ENERGY STAR website to view the specification and links to the EPA for current ENERGY STAR Partner and industry stakeholder feedback, drafts of the specification, and related proposals.

Information on the proposed MEPS and Energy Rating Labelling

A regulatory Impact statement presenting an updated proposal and information on costs and benefits will be avaliable for comment within the next couple of months. Public meetings to discuss the regulatory impact statement will be held in Sydney and if there is sufficient interest, Auckland. We expect the meetings will take place around October-November. Please contact the Products team at EECA on 0800 358 676 or at regs@eeca.govt.nz for more information or to be added to the contact list.

There are two papers currently available that discuss this proposal:

1. A discussion paper investigating this proposal was released to Australian stakeholders in October 2007. This paper investigates the current Australian market, proposes a test method and MEPS and energy rating levels for televisions and explores how the proposal will impact the Australian market.

>> View TV MEPS and labelling discussion paper (Sept 2007) on the Energy Rating website

2. A supplementary discussion paper was released to Australian and New Zealand stakeholders in December 2007. This supplementary paper revises proposed levels and introduction dates for MEPS and Energy Rating Labelling for televisions (following feedback from the Australian home electronics industry) and explores how the proposal will impact the Australian market. This paper was discussed at public meetings in Sydney in December and Auckland in February.

Submissions on the paper are being addressed in the regulatory impact statement due to be available shortly.

>> Download TV MEPS and labelling supplementary discussion paper Dec 2007 [PDF 223 KB]

Standard development

AS/NZS 62087 is being developed to cover test methods and MEPS and energy rating labels.

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How will this affect me as a supplier of televisions?

Television importers and manufacturers will need to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. To comply, you must:

Ensure that all televisions subject to MEPS and labelling meet regulatory requirements from the time they come into force. Stock imported into New Zealand before the Regulations come into force can still be sold.
List with EECA all models of television subject to MEPS and labelling, by completing and submitting the registration form contained in the Standard. This can be done online at www.energyrating.gov.au. There is no cost to list in New Zealand. Models registered in Australia do not need to be re-listed in New Zealand, as this initiative is part of a Trans-Tasman programme.
Provide statistical information to EECA every year 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 television retailer?

You will not be allowed to make available for sale, lease, hire or hire purchase in New Zealand a television that does not comply with the Standard. To check whether a particular product complies with the Standard, you will be able to check the listings at www.energyrating.gov.au, a shared Australia/New Zealand website.

The Trans-Tasman Equipment Energy Efficiency Programme (E3)

This proposal is part of the ongoing work of the trans-Tasman Equipment Energy Efficiency Programme (E3). Under the E3, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) works in partnership with Australian government agencies to improve the energy efficiency of products and appliances sold in Australia and New Zealand. The main measures used are:

Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS)
Mandatory energy performance labelling (MEPL)
Energy Star® endorsement mark.

These measures help people to produce and purchase products that are cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.

Last updated 16/09/08