{"id":18539,"date":"2018-01-22T05:35:47","date_gmt":"2018-01-21T19:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=18539"},"modified":"2018-01-22T05:37:39","modified_gmt":"2018-01-21T19:07:39","slug":"energy-efficiency-legislation-review-0423","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/energy-efficiency-legislation-review-0423\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Energy Efficiency Legislation Review Under Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GEMS<\/p>\n

The Australian Federal Government has announced the immediate commencement of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act’s (GEMS Act) first review.<\/p>\n

When the GEMS Act<\/a> came into effect in October 2012, it created a national framework for product energy efficiency in Australia, replacing state-based regulation.<\/p>\n

The Act places related regulatory requirements on certain products before they can be supplied or sold here (and across the ditch in New Zealand), which may include energy rating labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).<\/p>\n

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said the GEMS Act’s net benefit to Australia’s economy was somewhere between $870 million and $1.58 billion in 2016, and it reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the range of 4.5 – 6.9 megatonnes that year. The GHG avoidance is especially important given Australia’s performance on reining in emissions to date.<\/p>\n

Australia\u2019s annual emissions in 2016-17 were estimated to have risen 0.7 per cent on the previous year. The Climate Council called the result shameful\u2019 and \u2018embarrassing’, stating Australia has consistently failed to reduce its levels.<\/p>\n

“Australia risks cementing its position as the global climate laggard, as the Federal Government sits back and allows the nation\u2019s greenhouse gas pollution levels to climb further and further,\u201d said<\/a> Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie in December.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Energy efficiency alone certainly won’t fix<\/a> Australia’s carbon challenges, but it is considered a low-hanging fruit in emissions reduction.<\/p>\n

Review Timing: Coincidence Or Knee-Jerk Reaction?<\/h2>\n

The GEMS Act review doesn’t appear to be in connection to\u00a0 recently released GHG figures<\/a>; but perhaps it accelerated its start. While the announcement came as a surprise to some (albeit a welcome one), the GEMS Act states<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0 (1)\u00a0 The Minister must cause an independent review of the operation of this Act to be undertaken as soon as possible after:<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (a)\u00a0 the fifth anniversary of the commencement of this section; and<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (b)\u00a0 each tenth anniversary of the day referred to in paragraph\u00a0(a).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The review will include consultation with a range of parties that include industry and consumer groups; along with state, territory and New Zealand governments.<\/p>\n

“\u201cIt is an excellent opportunity to reflect on changing appliance and equipment use, emerging technologies, the increasing connectedness of appliances and international best practice,\u201d Minister Frydenberg said<\/a>. \u201cWhat we must always focus on is maximising the benefit to consumers and, at the same time, providing a dividend for the environment.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The review will be carried out by Anna Collyer<\/a>, a partner and head of innovation at law firm Allens, who has specialised in the energy sector for more than two decades. Ms. Collyer’s recent work includes advising the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on the introduction of competition in metering<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A discussion paper will soon be published for initial consultation and a final report delivered in 2018. Terms of reference for the review can be viewed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Energy efficiency is an important issue for Australians with solar panels<\/a>, helping them to extract the most value from their solar power systems<\/a> – learn more about energy efficiency opportunities for solar owners<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While on the topic of energy ratings, check out SQ blogger Ronald’s recent post on how an energy efficient fridge<\/a> can save you hundreds of dollars – he says it’s not the energy rating stars that count.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Australian Federal Government has announced the immediate commencement of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act’s (GEMS Act) first review.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":18541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[678],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-solar-battery-news","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAustralian Energy Efficiency Legislation Review Under Way<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Australian Federal Government has announced the immediate commencement of the 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The GEMS Act serves to prevent the sale of products in Australia deemed to be the most\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"GEMS and appliance energy efficiency","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gems-energy-efficiency.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gems-energy-efficiency.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gems-energy-efficiency.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gems-energy-efficiency.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gems-energy-efficiency.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":94625,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/emissions-target-electrification-mb3273\/","url_meta":{"origin":18539,"position":1},"title":"Australia’s 2035 Emissions Target: Home Electrification","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"September 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A 2035 emissions target range has been set for Australia and plans to achieve it unveiled. 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The Albanese Government has set a national target to reduce emissions by 62\u201370% below 2005 levels by 2035; on\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Solar Policy"","block_context":{"text":"Solar Policy","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-policy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Australia's 2035 emissions target plan","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/emissions-target-plan.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/emissions-target-plan.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/emissions-target-plan.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/emissions-target-plan.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/emissions-target-plan.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":85375,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/heat-pump-roadmap-mb2970\/","url_meta":{"origin":18539,"position":2},"title":"Heat Pumps: Roadmap For Australia’s Hot Water Transformation","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"July 24, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Air-sourced heat pump hot water systems (HPHWS) can save households a bundle of bucks, but the quality of systems and installation in Australia needs some work. Heating water is an energy intensive task; one that accounts for more than 20% of a home\u2019s total energy use using conventional heating systems.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Hot water heat pumps in Australia","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/heat-pumps-australia.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/heat-pumps-australia.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/heat-pumps-australia.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/heat-pumps-australia.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/heat-pumps-australia.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":89318,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/nathers-existing-homes-mb3110\/","url_meta":{"origin":18539,"position":3},"title":"How To Score A Free NatHERS Home Energy Rating Assessment","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"February 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) has teamed up with CSIRO for a trial providing free home energy ratings to eligible home owners and renters; carried out by trained assessors. What Is NatHERS? NatHERS is a national program that was established in the 1990s to assess thermal performance and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"NatHERS energy rating assessments for existing homes","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/nathers-energy-ratings-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/nathers-energy-ratings-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/nathers-energy-ratings-2.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/nathers-energy-ratings-2.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/nathers-energy-ratings-2.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":65604,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/act-energy-efficiency-rebate-mb2637\/","url_meta":{"origin":18539,"position":4},"title":"ACT Expands Home Energy Support Program","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"September 16, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"As well as a rebate for solar power systems, eligible low-income households in the ACT can now also get a significant rebate on selected energy-efficient appliances. In April this year, the ACT kicked off a new scheme whereby low income households can receive a rebate of up to $2,500 on\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Home Energy Support Program","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/energy-efficiency-act.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/energy-efficiency-act.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/energy-efficiency-act.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/energy-efficiency-act.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/energy-efficiency-act.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":33723,"url":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/canberra-zero-emissions-school-mb1223\/","url_meta":{"origin":18539,"position":5},"title":"Canberra’s Second Zero Emissions School To Open In 2021","author":"Michael Bloch","date":"September 23, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The ACT Government has announced the builder of the Territory's second zero-emissions school, and says detailed design work for construction has already begun. Joss Construction Pty Ltd has been engaged to deliver the project in two stages. The first stage will be a P-6 school catering for up to 644\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General Solar & Storage News"","block_context":{"text":"General Solar & Storage News","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/category\/solar-battery-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"zero emissions school - Canberra","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/zero-emissions-school-canberra.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/zero-emissions-school-canberra.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/zero-emissions-school-canberra.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/zero-emissions-school-canberra.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/zero-emissions-school-canberra.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18539"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18539\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18544,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18539\/revisions\/18544"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}