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Consultation is now open on the heat pump water heaters (HPWH) Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS). HPWH can offer substantial energy efficiency improvements over traditional (i.e. electric storage and gas) water heaters.

In recent years, government incentive schemes have boosted sales of HPWH, and stakeholders have asked that HPWHs be regulated so the product’s energy efficiency claims could be reported and checked consistently.

The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council agreed to fast-track the implementation of minimum energy performance standards for HPWH in 2024. 

This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the CRIS. The CRIS evaluates a range of policy options, including continuing without any changes to regulation, as well as assessing the potential impacts, costs, and benefits of introducing minimum energy performance standards for HPWH. 

Your feedback will help inform the development of policy on the regulation of HPWH and preparation of a Decision RIS for Energy and Climate Change Ministers. 

To have your say:

• read the Regulation Impact Statement for Consultation Energy Efficiency Policy Options for Heat Pump Water Heaters
• submit your feedback by uploading your submission to E3 Heat Pump Water Heaters - public consultation on proposed regulation by close of business 31 October 2025.

You can also comment on the same consultation documentation during the same consultation period run by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority in New Zealand. For more information visit Consultation - Heat pump water heaters on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s website .

There will be two consultation forums in October, which will include an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed policy options and their implementation. These forums will be held online via Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in attending the:

• Australian forum, please email GEMSProductReview@dcceew.gov.au
• New Zealand forum, please email star@eeca.govt.nz.