Standby Power Background

Australia is not alone in recognising the serious problem posed by excessive standby to national greenhouse gas reduction and energy efficiency goals. The International Energy Agency has facilitated member nations to coordinate a common approach to this problem. It advocates that members develop long-term plans to reduce standby over time - a recommendation that Australian jurisdictions have embraced.

In August 2000, all Australian jurisdictions agreed to:

"...pursue efficiencies in standby power consumption of energy-consuming products, through support for the International Energy Agency's One -Watt program, and endorse its incorporation into the...program of work."

Australia was the first nation to publicly state that it would pursue the 'one-watt' target under the banner of the IEA standby power initiative. This aspirational target sought to raise awareness about excessive standby amongst not only suppliers but also product purchasers. It was meant to demonstrate to suppliers both in Australia and internationally that excessive standby should be redressed through better design practice and other strategies. It was meant to demonstrate to consumers that Australian governments were acting to reduce excessive standby on their behalf.

Since Australia's announcement, other IEA member countries such as Japan and the USA have taken similar stands. For example, US President Bush released an Executive Order in July 2001 in which he stated:

"Each [federal] agency...shall purchase products that use no more than one watt in their standby power consuming mode."

Australia has also supported the development of the draft International Electrotechnical Commission standard defining the technical method for the measurement of standby (to be published in 2004 as IEC62301). It will adopt this standard when the international community has completed its development. It is hoped that this standard will define the agreed method of measurement for standby for all products.

With the international effort gaining momentum, the Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (E₃ Committee), on behalf of the Ministerial Council on Energy, sought ideas and a response to a discussion paper consultation process in 2002. In a process throughout 2002, government agencies consulted with stakeholders about ideas to reduce standby. The standby strategy is a result of that dialogue with stakeholders.

With most consumer products traded internationally, any Australian action can only be effective if in step with international endeavours. That said, Australia has been a "standard bearer" in this field and will continue to adopt actions to reduce standby to reasonable levels. It will continue to help other nations to identify and redress excessive standby power.

For further information email energy.rating@greenhouse.gov.au

This page last modified 02 May 2006