External power supplies are already regulated for energy efficiency in New Zealand and Australia. In May 2026, Australia's Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council approved recommendations to increase minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for external power supplies and expand the range of external power supplies regulated.
The New Zealand Government is yet to consider whether to make changes to New Zealand requirements.
The importance of external power supply efficiency
External power supplies connect electrical devices, such as phones, laptops, tablets, modems and printers, to a power point. They are also known as AC power adaptors, plug-packs or power packs, and are often sold with the product they power.
Millions of units are sold every year in New Zealand. While each external power supply uses a small amount of electricity, their widespread use means small efficiency gains can lead to significant energy savings.
External power supplies are currently regulated for energy efficiency in New Zealand and Australia.
Decision Regulation Impact Statement
Following consultation in March and April 2025, a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS) has been prepared for external power supplies. The DRIS recommends policy options to improve the energy efficiency of external power supplies sold in Australia and New Zealand.
On 8 May 2026, Australia's Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council approved the recommendations in the DRIS for Australia. DCCEEW is expected to prepare a new Australian determination and publish an exposure draft for public comment.
In New Zealand, external power supplies are already regulated, and the government is yet to consider whether to make changes to New Zealand requirements.
Any New Zealand regulatory changes would need to go through New Zealand's own governmental approval process.
EECA is working with DCCEEW on next steps to support Trans-Tasman alignment.
Recommended policy approach
The DRIS recommends Scenario 4 as the preferred option. This would:
- increase MEPS for external power supplies from Mark III to Mark VI
- expand the scope to include simultaneous multiple voltage external power supplies and adaptive voltage external power supplies, including fast-charging USB-PD devices
- allow products to be registered using test certificates that reference internationally accepted test standards, such as EN 50563 and US DOE, where technically consistent with AS/NZS 4665.1 and 4665.2
The DRIS does not recommend adopting Mark VII requirements at this stage, because major international markets are not expected to implement Mark VII in the near future.
Download the DRIS [PDF 3.8 MB]
Visit the Energy Rating website for more information on the development of these requirements in Australia.
Visit the Energy Rating website(external link)