Amendments to the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002
In 2025 we amended the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products Regulations) 2002 to align the regulations with Australia.
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The changes (consulted on in June 2025) update Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Mandatory Energy Performance Labelling (MEPL) requirements across a range of product classes under the regulations.
The changes came into force 1 May 2026.
The changes to the regulations update requirements for the following products:
- Air-conditioners/heat pumps > 65kW
- Clothes washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Rotary clothes dryers
- Household refrigerators and freezers
- Three-phase cage induction motors
- External power supplies
- Tubular fluorescent lamps
- Chillers
- Close control air conditioners
Amendments to the regulations
Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Amendment Regulations 2025(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
More information on each of the updates for individual products can be found on EECA’s website:
Proposals under development
The Minister for Energy notified his intention to update the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 for the following products:
- Distribution transformers
- Three-phase cage induction motors
- External power supplies
- Heat pump water heaters
More details on the proposals can be found below.
Distribution transformers
The proposal is to expand the scope of and increase MEPS for distribution transformers supplied in Australia and New Zealand.
Further information on the regulation of distribution transformers:
Distribution transformers(external link) — EECA
The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) assesses policy options for increasing the energy efficiency of distribution transformers in Australia and New Zealand:
Regulation Impact Statement for Consultation: Distribution Transformers [PDF 3.8 MB](external link) — EECA
Three-phase cage induction motors
The proposal is to update MEPS and labelling requirements of three phase cage induction motors supplied in Australia and New Zealand.
The New Zealand and Australian Governments consulted in 2025 on new proposed regulation of three phase cage induction motors:
Three phase cage induction motors(external link) — EECA
The 2025 Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) assesses policy options for increasing the energy efficiency of three phase electric motors (including motors embedded in or packaged with equipment) in Australia and New Zealand:
External power supplies
The proposal is to update the level and scope of MEPS applying to external power supplies supplied in Australia and New Zealand.
The New Zealand and Australian Governments consulted in 2025 on new proposed regulation of external power supplies. The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) assesses policy options for increasing the energy efficiency of external power supplies in Australia and New Zealand:
External Power Supplies Consultation Regulation Impact Statement [PDF 3.3 MB](external link) — EECA
Heat pump water heaters
The proposal is to develop MEPS to improve the efficiency of heat pump water heaters.
Further information on the regulation of heat pump water heaters:
Heat Pump Water Heaters(external link) — EECA
A Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CRIS) was released in 2025 and assesses policy options for increasing the energy efficiency of HPWH in Australia and New Zealand:
Background information on policy decisions
Further background information on the consultation and policy decisions of the amendments to the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products Regulations) 2002:
Gaazette notices
Notification of Proposal to Amend the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 and to Incorporate Material by Reference(external link) — New Zealand Gazette
Corrigendum—Notification of Proposal to Amend the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002 and to Incorporate Material by Reference(external link) — New Zealand Gazette
Cabinet papers and minutes
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Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Amendment Regulations 2025 [PDF 292KB]
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Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Amendment Regulations 2020 [PDF 203KB]
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Proposal to revise minimum energy performance standards for energy-using products [PDF 268KB]
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LED Lamps and Air Conditioners/Heat Pumps: Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labelling Requirements - Minute of Decision [PDF 335KB]
Impact statements
Regulatory Impact Assessment: Impact Summary: Air conditioners [PDF 233KB](external link) — Ministry for Regulation
Issues paper Energy Efficiency Regulation of Electric Motors [PDF 920 KB](external link) — EECA