Minimum Energy Performance Standards
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) is a regulatory tool used to increase the average efficiency of a product class. MEPS regulations remove from sale the least energy efficient models on the market. This tool for increasing the stock of energy efficient equipment is generally unseen by the consumer. MEPS used in conjunction with a well developed labelling program has become a powerful tool in reducing energy usage in Australia.
Most developed countries have some sort of MEPS program. In the USA, for example, the MEPS began after the 1970s oil shocks. Their MEPS program began in the early 1980s to try to reduce the country's dependence on foreign energy sources. Today, developed nations are turning to MEPS to reduce greenhouse gases and are finding the program to be one of the most cost-effective ways of achieving this goal.
MEPS development in Australia started in the early 1990s with various studies on energy usage patterns. The Future Directions for Australia's Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Program report from the Australian Greenhouse Office highlights the equipment targeted for MEPS or labelling These equipment categories were chosen based on years of extensive study into energy usage and potential for energy savings.
MEPS are developed in consultation with manufacturers and other stakeholders that have an interest in these regulations. Once MEPS levels are determined, Australian Standards are developed to accurately measure the performance of the unit. The proposed standard is then open to public consultation. When the Standard is finalised, a cost/benefit analysis is conducted to ensure the proposed regulations provide a positive economic benefit to the Australian public. If the cost/benefit analysis is positive State, legislative bodies can enact regulations into law which cite the specific standard.
Currently, MEPS apply to:
- refrigerators
- freezers
- water heaters
- motors
- packaged air conditioners
- clothes washers
- clothes driers
- dishwashers
- ballasts for linear fluorescent lamps
- linear fluorescent lamps
- distribution transformers
- commercial refrigeration.
The Australian Greenhouse Office has information on cost/benefit studies of existing MEPS appliances, standards and for future MEPS considerations in respect of the following appliances and equipment:
- miscellaneous water heaters
- evaporative air conditioners
- packaged air compressors
- packaged boilers.