The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council has agreed to significantly expand and modernise the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme, aiming to help Australians make more informed choices when purchasing appliances.
At their meeting on July 19, 2024, the ministers endorsed recommendations put forward by the department and supported by the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program.
A key outcome is the development of a new E3 Program strategy, which will include a 10-year forward plan and project prioritisation.
The expanded GEMS scheme will focus on:
- Increasing minimum energy performance standards for televisions and computer monitors.
- Introducing energy efficiency requirements for digital signage displays.
- Updating minimum energy performance standards for mains voltage halogen lamps (effectively phasing out this lighting technology), dishwashers, washing machines, and rotary clothes dryers.
These measures are expected to build on the scheme’s already impressive impact.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, GEMS reduced electricity consumption in Australia by 5.5 to 8.5 gigawatt hours, resulting in savings of $1.3 to $2.1 billion for households and businesses.
Additionally, the scheme cut emissions by 4.2 to 6.5 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The E3 Program, a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory, as well as New Zealand governments, has been operating for over two decades.
In Australia, it is underpinned by the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 (GEMS Act), which regulates the energy efficiency of certain appliances and equipment.
This expansion of the GEMS scheme aligns with recent legislative changes that have made it easier for businesses to sell energy-efficient appliances.
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Amendment (Administrative Changes) Bill 2023, passed in September 2023, modernised the GEMS Act to improve compliance and flexibility for businesses.
As Australia continues its energy transition, these updates to the GEMS scheme are expected to play a crucial role in meeting climate change commitments and reaching the nation’s net zero target by 2050.