The Energy and Climate Change Ministers have agreed to further expand and modernise the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme to help Australians make informed decisions when choosing appliances.
The recommendations were put forward to Energy and Climate Change Ministers at a meeting of the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council on Friday, 19 July 2024.
This includes developing an E3 Program strategy that includes creating a forward plan and prioritising projects for the next 10 years.
It will continue to enable consumers and businesses to make more informed decisions on:
- purchasing appliances and equipment
- promoting energy efficiency
- reducing emissions.
The Ministers agreed to:
- increase the minimum energy performance standards that apply to televisions and computer monitors
- introduce energy efficiency requirements for digital signage displays.
Ministers agreed to updated minimum energy performance standards for the following products:
- mains voltage halogen lamps – which will effectively phase out this lighting technology
- dishwashers
- washing machines
- rotary clothes dryers.
In 2022–23, the GEMS scheme in Australia reduced electricity consumption by between 5.5 and 8.5 gigawatt hours. This saved Australian households and businesses between $1.3 and $2.1 billion.
The E3 Program is a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory and New Zealand Governments. It has been in operation for over 20 years.
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act) is the underpinning legislation for the E3 Program in Australia.
The GEMS Act regulates the energy efficiency of certain appliances and equipment in Australia. New Zealand implements this work through a separate national legislative framework.
