Appliance Energy Efficiency Package means countries and regions implementing policies, programmes or packages aimed at promoting energy-efficient appliances. These initiatives typically involve establishing energy efficiency standards for appliances, providing incentives for manufacturers and consumers to adopt more energy-efficient technologies and raising awareness about the importance of energy conservation. The policy package is defined and implemented looking at what is achievable in the short term to harness immediate opportunities readily available in the market and devise long-term objectives in order to organically save on energy consumption without raising the equipment purchase cost.

Appliance Efficiency Policy Package – regulation 

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) should exclude the least efficient products from the market – in line with international best practices while reflecting good understanding of 

local circumstances – and should be regularly updated. Regulations are essential for moving the market towards the best available technology, in line with achieving net-zero goals. 

In the UAE, the Energy Efficiency Standardization & Labelling (EESL) programme, supervised and managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), is a good example of an effective policy. The programme deals with energy efficiency requirements and labels for products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers and television sets. 

Similarly, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has well-structured energy efficiency & labelling programmes in place for domestic and commercial products. 

A Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) is a specification containing a number of performance requirements for an energy-using device that effectively limits the maximum amount of energy that may be consumed by a product in performing a specified task. MEPS are a highly cost-effective way to improve equipment efficiency. 

How are MEPS designed? 

MEPS for appliances are typically established through a process that involves technical assessments, stakeholder consultations and consideration of energy efficiency goals. The following steps summarise the basic process: 

1. Define Objectives: 

· Identifying the specific objectives of implementing MEPS: These could be reducing energy consumption/peak demand, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies. 

2. Stakeholder Engagement: 

· Engaging with stakeholders, including manufacturers, industry associations, consumer groups, environmental organisations, academia and government agencies to gather input on potential standards and address concerns or challenges. 

3. Market Analysis: 

· Conducting market analysis, considering the types and energy consumption patterns of appliances to understand the current state of energy efficiency in the market. 

4. Technical Assessment: 

· Performing technical assessments to determine the energy performance levels that can be achieved by available technologies in collaboration with manufacturers, research institutions and testing laboratories. 

5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: 

· Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of implementing MEPS. Assessing the potential benefits in terms of energy savings, affordability, environmental impact and economic gains against the costs incurred by manufacturers for compliance. 

6. Use of International Standards/Harmonisation: 

· Considering usage of existing international standards and best practices and aligning MEPS with global standards can facilitate trade and contribute to a 

harmonised approach to energy efficiency. Collaboration with international organisations to promote harmonisation of MEPS helps remove trade barriers. 

7. Legislative Framework: 

· Developing or amending legislation that establishes and enforces MEPS with defining the scope of regulations, compliance mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. 

8. Gradual Implementation: 

· This allows manufacturers and consumers time to adapt to new requirements, starting with less stringent standards and gradually increasing them over time. 

9. Monitoring and Enforcement: 

· Establish a monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure compliance with MEPS. This involves regular testing of appliances in the market, market surveillance and penalties for non-compliance. 

10. Review and Revision: 

· Regularly review and, if required, revise MEPS based on technological advancements, market changes and newer energy efficiency goals. This ensures that standards remain effective and relevant over time. 

11. Public Awareness: 

· Implementing public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and the significance of MEPS. Informed consumers can make more sustainable choices. 

As an example, here is what regional MEPS for room air conditioners look like in comparison with what the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 have arrived at; the higher the EER or SEER number, the more efficient is the unit:

Standardised or comparable metric for MEPS 

Having a standardised or comparable metric for MEPS across different regions/countries is important for several reasons: 

1. Global/Regional Consistency: Ensures consistency in measuring and comparing the energy efficiency of appliances. It is particularly important for manufacturers that operate on an international scale, as it allows them to design and produce products that comply with a common set of standards. 

2. Market Competition and Fairness: A consistent metric promotes fair competition among manufacturers. When there is a single or comparable metric for MEPS, companies are on a level playing field, and consumers can make more informed choices based on energy efficiency. 

3. Ease of Compliance: Manufacturers can more easily comply with MEPS regulations if there is a common metric. It streamlines the process of designing, testing and certifying products for multiple markets, reducing the complexity and cost associated with meeting diverse standards. 

4. Consumer Knowledge: A single or comparable metric for the same product category makes it easier for consumers to understand and compare the energy efficiency of different products. This transparency empowers consumers to make environmentally friendly and cost-effective choices when purchasing appliances. 

5. Interoperability: A standardised metric facilitates interoperability and the exchange of information among different regions. This can be beneficial for international collaborations, research and for the development of new technologies aimed at improving energy efficiency. 

While having a single or comparable metric for MEPS is ideal, it is important to recognise that regional variations may still exist due to differences in climatic conditions, energy sources, etc. 

The following table shows MEPS used by different countries/regions for air conditioners:

Within the GCC region, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is working with regional regulatory bodies like GSO, SASO, MoIAT, MEW and EOS to harmonise the tests and performance standards as well as the metrics of MEPS for air conditioning equipment. 

References: 

1. Domestic Air Conditioner Test Standards and Harmonization, The IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Energy Efficient End-Use Equipment Paris, France, Cadeo Group, March 2020 

2. China’s MEPS Lead to Major AC Market Transformation: Clasp, June 2023