Video: About the E3 Program
A quick explainer on how the E3 Program works.
If you cannot see the video try viewing it on YouTube or download a transcript.
The E3 Program
The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is an initiative of the Australian Government, states and territories and the New Zealand Government. These groups combined to deliver a single, integrated program on energy efficiency standards and energy labelling for equipment and appliances.
It is one of a number of programs implemented by the former Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council and now continues under Energy Minister's through the Energy Minister's meeting (EMM). An Inter-Governmental Agreement provides the framework for national cooperation on the E3 Program. A similar arrangement has also been developed to ensure alignment with New Zealand.
On 1 October 2012, the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012 came into effect, creating a national framework for product energy efficiency in Australia. The GEMS Act is the underpinning legislation for the program.
The GEMS Regulator, based in the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, replaced the previous state regulators and is the sole party responsible for administering the legislation in Australia.
In New Zealand, the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 have a similar role and are administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
Program Objectives
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To reduce energy bills for households and businesses in a cost effective way by driving improvements to the energy efficiency of new appliances and equipment sold;
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To improve the energy efficiency of new appliances and equipment that use energy and to also improve the energy performance of products that have an impact on energy consumption; and
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To reduce appliance and equipment related greenhouse gas emissions through a process which complements other actions by jurisdictions.
Who we are
The E3 Program is managed by the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Regulator in conjunction with the Energy Efficiency Advisory Team (EEAT) which is comprised of representatives of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and the New Zealand government. Industry and consumer groups participate through the E3 Review Committee and the Air-Conditioner and Commercial Refrigeration Advisory Committee (ACRAC).
What we do
The E3 Program undertakes a range of activities to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment sold in Australia and New Zealand. These include energy rating labelling, setting minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and education and training.
The Energy Rating Label
How to use the Energy Rating Label
Shopping for a new appliance? Learn how to use the Energy Rating Label to compare the energy efficiency and running costs of models before you buy.
Using the label online and in advertising
Selling, supplying or advertising appliances? Learn how to use the Energy Rating Icon on your website and in advertisements.
Labelling
The E3 Program oversees labelling to ensure consumers have information on the energy efficiency of a product. Products are labelled so that the information is available at the point-of-sale.
This allows consumers to take into account how much an appliance will cost to run, when deciding which model to buy.
25%
less energy is used by today’s dishwashers compared to those of 10 years ago, thanks to the introduction of MEPS and energy labelling.
27%
less energy is used by households on lighting now, since the phase-out of inefficient lighting began in 2009.
50%
how much more efficient small split system air conditioners are now than they were in 2001.