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We’re consulting on whether to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards for commercial ice makers. 

Electricity use by commercial ice makers is increasing in Australia and New Zealand, due to the expansion of the foodservice and food retailing sectors and a growing population. 

The cost of energy to run an ice maker over its lifetime is several times the initial price, so purchasing less efficient models (even at a lower price) will result in higher costs to businesses and the community. 

Buyers are not always aware of the operating costs of the models they are considering buying. Different commercial ice makers consume different amounts of electricity, and energy consumption information is either unavailable or presented in ways that make it difficult to compare and identify more efficient models. 

In the absence of Minimum Energy Performance Standards, the economic, financial and environmental costs of commercial ice-making in Australia and New Zealand will remain higher than is necessary. 

Our Consultation Regulation Impact Statement identifies a range of options to improve the energy efficiency of commercial ice makers supplied in Australia and New Zealand. More energy efficient products will mean lower energy bills for businesses, and help Australia reach Net Zero by 2050. You can find the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on the consultation page. 

We welcome written submissions on any aspect of the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement. Your submissions and comments will help us to better understand: 

• the accuracy of our market and modelling assumptions 

• the effect of Minimum Energy Performance Standards on suppliers, buyers and users of commercial ice makers 

• the energy use by commercial ice makers. 

Stakeholder feedback will help Energy Ministers decide whether to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards for commercial ice makers, including the timeline for introducing any regulations. 

Have your say by 5 pm AEST, 12 June 2023. 

If you have any questions, email the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Product Review Team at icemakers@dcceew.gov.au.