APPLIANCE LABELLING
APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME
The Department’s nationwide appliance energy efficiency programme is monitored through energy labels on electrical appliances and minimum energy performance standards (MEPS).
The development objectives of this programme are aligned with the goals of the National Energy Efficiency Strategy. These objectives are to:
- Improve public health by reducing emissions of toxic substances.
- Create employment through the economic spin-off effects of energy efficiency initiatives.
- Alleviate poverty by reducing energy costs for end-users.
- Improve industrial competitiveness by supporting the production and export of high-quality products.
- Enhance energy security by reducing the volume of imported energy required and increasing resilience against external energy supply disruptions.
- Reduce the need for additional electricity generation capacity by limiting peak-load growth.
Environmental Goal
The environmental goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption through the introduction and use of high-efficiency appliances that optimise electricity consumption.
Social Goal
The social goal is to increase the availability and uptake of energy-efficient appliances in the market. An additional benefit is that lower-income consumers can purchase appliances that have lower operating costs, thereby reducing their household energy bills over time.
Economic Goal
The economic goal is to support the development of a competitive household appliance industry capable of producing high-quality products that can compete in international markets.
Managing Peak Electricity Demand
The programme also aims to mitigate the effects of peak electricity demand on generation and network capacity. This is achieved through the ongoing promotion and introduction of electrical appliances that consume less electricity, thereby reducing overall electricity consumption and limiting growth in peak demand.