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The Energy and Climate Change Ministers agreed to multiple recommendations put forward to them by DCCEEW, and supported by the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program, at a meeting of the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council on Friday 19 July 2024.

Ministers agreed to developing an E3 Program Strategy to plan and prioritise projects for the next 10 years.

The E3 Program Strategy will drive further expansion and modernisation of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme in Australia. It will continue to enable consumers and businesses to make informed choices on purchasing appliances and equipment, while promoting energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

The Ministers agreed to increase the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) that apply to televisions and computer monitors and to introduce energy efficiency requirements for digital signage displays. Updated MEPS for the following products were also agreed: 

• 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, saving Australian households and businesses between $1.3 and $2.1 billion. Emissions were also reduced by between 4.2 and 6.5 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The E3 Program is a joint initiative of the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and the New Zealand Government and 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, while New Zealand implements this work through a separate national legislative framework.

Read more about the E3 Program.