The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme is a key policy objective of the 2005 National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES) and the post-2015 NEES. In this regard, the electric apparatus selected by the DMRE to be regulated under VC9006 and 9008 has delivered significant energy savings. As a globally proven cost-effective policy tool, it is the DMRE’s intention to regularly strengthen MEPS for existing S&L apparatus and to expand the Programme to other electrical apparatus that can deliver meaningful savings. Here, it has always been the DMRE’s objective to move beyond the residential sector.
Globally, EM MEPS Programmes are common due to the combination of their very high penetration rate and energy savings potential; and are regulated in China, the European Union, USA, Brazil, Australia, Kenya, Egypt and other countries. Indeed, many of these countries have completed their fourth MEPS revision. Within this context, the DMRE commissioned and recently completed a cost benefit analysis study, which included industry stakeholder consultation as well NRCS and SABS participation. The study found that the infroduction of MEPS will have a net economic benefit to the economy and will improve commercial and industrial productivity.
