Domestic fridges and freezers - regulations under review

Regulations are being amended

In May 2018, New Zealand Cabinet approved the proposed updates to the energy efficiency requirements for household refrigerating appliances. The changes will:

Increase and align Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) levels applicable to household refrigerators and freezers to those adopted in the United States of America as at 15 September 2014.

Replace the regionally-specific AS/NZS 4474.1 test standard with the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) test standard IEC 62552 parts 1 to 3, published February 2015.

EECA and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are currently working with the Parliamentary Counsel Office to amend the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 to include the above proposal.

View the Decision RIS for Household Refrigerators and Freezers(external link)

Project history

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Regulatory requirements under review
Have your say about product energy efficiency regulations being revised and developed in New Zealand.

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- 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.
- Residential space heaters
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have consulted on a Space Heating Comparison Methodology
- 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
  Find out about the current regulation amendment process for air conditioners and heat pumps above 65kW in New Zealand.
- Chillers
  At the end of 2024, the Australian Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council, agreed to introduce new minimum energy performance requirements for chillers.
- Domestic fridges and freezers
  Find out about the current regulation amendment process for household refrigerating appliances in New Zealand.
- Three-phase electric motors
  Find out about the consultation process for improving the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors in New Zealand and Australia.
- Commercial ice makers
  Find out about the process for improving the energy efficiency of commercial ice makers in New Zealand and Australia.
- External power supplies
  Find out about the consultation process for improving the energy efficiency of external power supplies in New Zealand and Australia.
- Air conditioners - seasonal energy efficiency performance calculations
  EECA and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) are consulting on the technical formulas used in calculating air conditioner cooling seasonal performance.

Fridges & freezers (domestic)

Regulations are being amended

Consultation Regulation Impact Statement – April 2017