How we develop new requirements

Revising or developing new measures is an extensive process. The steps include:

  • engaging with industry to understand product markets
  • identifying and assessing options to improve energy efficiency
  • seeking public and industry feedback on proposed change
  • developing Standards and technical requirements with industry
  • seeking Cabinet approval
  • helping industry to transition to the new requirements.

Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) members maintain regular communication with key industry stakeholders through direct relationships and the E3 Review Committee.

How the E3 programme is administered(external link)

New regulations under development

Under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Programme, EECA works with our partners to profile the energy savings potential of different technologies and market interventions. We prioritise them for investigation and review accordingly.

E3 Prioritisation Plan 2021-2022(external link)

Energy Efficiency Regulations review  [PDF 2.1 MB]

  • Distribution transformers

    EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on policy options to improve the energy efficiency of distribution transformers in New Zealand and Australia.

  • Electronic Displays: televisions, computer monitors, and digital signage displays

    At the end of 2024, the Australian Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council, agreed to introduce new minimum energy performance and labelling requirements for electronic displays.

  • Australia's Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) due to expire

    EECA and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) are consulting on 6 products energy efficiency regulations that are due to sunset (expire) in Australia in the next few years.

  • Residential space heaters in Australia and New Zealand

    EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on a Space Heating Comparison Methodology

  • Smart appliances

    During 2019, E3 investigated whether all new air conditioners and heat pumps, electric hot water cylinders, and electric vehicle chargers sold in New Zealand should be demand response capable.

  • LED lighting

    On 28 April 2018, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council Ministers, alongside New Zealand Minister of Energy and Resources - Megan Woods, agreed to introduce minimum standards for LED lamps that align with European Union regulations.

  • Air conditioners & heat pumps

    In May 2019, New Zealand Cabinet approved the E3 policy proposal to revise the MEPS and energy labeling requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps. A process to amend current regulations is underway.

  • Chillers

    At the end of 2024, the Australian Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council, agreed to introduce new minimum energy performance requirements for chillers.

  • Industrial equipment (pumps, boilers and compressors)

    The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme has primarily targeted household electrical equipment. The E3 Programme is in the initial stages of investigating potential regulations for industrial equipment.

  • Fans (non-domestic)

    In April 2019, E3 agreed to put the non-domestic fans project on hold.

  • Commercial refrigeration

    In May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the E3 policy proposal to revise the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for commercial refrigeration. A process to amend current regulations is underway.

  • Fridges & freezers (domestic)

    On 28 May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the proposed updates to regulations for Household Refrigeration products.

  • Hot water systems

    EECA is leading a joint project with Australia to improve the energy efficiency of water heating in residential households under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Programme.

  • Three phase cage induction motors

    EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) are consulting on policy options to improve the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors in New Zealand and Australia.

  • Commercial ice makers

    EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on whether to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for commercial ice makers.

  • External power supplies

    EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) are consulting on policy options to improve the energy efficiency of external power supplies in New Zealand and Australia.