Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) Regulations in Australia - Overview

MEPS programs are made mandatory in Australia by state government legislation and regulations which give force to the relevant Australian Standards. Regulations specify the general requirements for MEPS for appliances, including offences and penalties if a party does not comply with the requirements. Technical requirements for MEPS are set out in the relevant appliance standard, which is referenced in state regulations. State based legislation is necessary because the Australian constitution gives Australian States clear responsibility for resource management issues, including energy.

It is mandatory for the following products manufactured in or imported into Australia to meet the MEPS levels specified in the relevant Australian Standards:

refrigerators and freezers (from 1 October 1999, revision 1 January 2005)
mains pressure electric storage water heaters (from 1 October 1999)
small mains pressure electric storage water heaters (<80L) and low pressure and heat exchanger types (from 1 October 2005) (Refer to AGO letter regarding levels and test methods)
three phase electric motors (0.73kW to <185kW) (from 1 October 2001, revision April 2006)
single phase air conditioners (from 1 October 2004, revision 1 April 2006 and 2007 and 2008)
three phase air conditioners up to 65kW cooling capacity (from 1 October 2001, revision 1 October 2007)
ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps (from 1 March 2003). Note that in addition to MEPS, ballasts also have to be marked with an energy efficiency index (EEI).
linear fluorescent lamps - from 550mm to 1500mm inclusive with a nominal lamp power >16W (from 1 October 2004)
distribution transformers - 11kV and 22kV with a rating from 10kA to 2.5MVA (from 1 October 2004)
commercial refrigeration (self contained and remote systems) (from 1 October 2004)

The latest reports which outline proposed MEPS levels are available on this web site - see products being considered for regulation.

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

This page last modified 02 February 2009