There are between 1500 and 1700 commercial ice maker units in New Zealand – which consume about 55 GWh per year. 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.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are beneficial to industry, consumers, and the environment. They ensure that products to be sold in Australia and New Zealand meet minimum energy efficiency standards and contribute to an overall reduction in New Zealand’s energy related emissions.
Decision Regulation Impact Statement
The submissions received during the consultation have been considered and a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS) has been endorsed by the Energy and Climate Change Ministers Council in Australia in January 2024.
On 3 March 2025, the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Commercial Ice-makers Determination 2025 was officially registered in Australia on the Federal Register of Legislation.
The determination introduces Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for commercial ice-makers in Australia. The decision to regulate these appliances was driven by evidence showing that their energy and water consumption is significantly higher than necessary.
While MEPS has been introduced for commercial ice‑makers in Australia, In New Zealand, the government is still yet to consider the proposed changes.