Discussion Paper on proposed national legislation for Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Energy Labelling

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Public Comments

Comments received in response to the attached discussion paper will be used in the development of a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement prior to a second round of consultation. Please provide any feedback by cob Friday 25 September 2009 to:

GEMS Legislation Team
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601

or email: gems@environment.gov.au

The Stakeholder letter August 2009 explains details of the release of this discussion paper. To register for one of the Public Information Forums contact gems@environment.gov.au.

Summary

Following the release of the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency (NSEE) by the Council of Australian Governments in July 2009, the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is seeking feedback on proposed new national legislation for Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy labelling.

The NSEE describes a range of measures aimed at improving the energy efficiency and greenhouse performance of products in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Performance standards have been shown to effectively reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from appliances and equipment internationally. Energy labelling allows consumers to consider operating costs when deciding which appliances to purchase.

Subject to a regulatory impact analysis, national legislation will:

provide a nationally consistent legislative framework
streamline governance arrangements and regulatory processes
simplify compliance for stakeholders and enforcement for regulators
potentially reduce transaction costs for industry, and
give consumers confidence to make better choices.

The discussion paper provides some background to the proposed national MEPS and energy labelling legislation and poses a series of questions. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the paper and share their experiences of the current MEPS and energy labelling program.

This page last modified 17 September 2009