Lighting the way to energy savings

The Albanese Government is lighting the way to energy savings, with new reforms that mean the next light bulb, dishwasher or television you purchase will make every watt count.

Updates to the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) scheme will help families make informed choices to brighten up their homes, while putting downward pressure on energy bills.

In the 10 years since the GEMS Act was passed, minimum energy performance standards and labelling requirements have saved Australian consumers between $12 - $18 billion and avoided between 40 to 60 million tonnes of emissions.

We want families to shop with confidence. New minimum energy performance standards will be set for clothes washers, dishwashers and increased for computer monitors and television screens.

Inefficient halogen lamps will be phased out where an LED equivalent is available, and new standards will be set for digital signage displays.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Jenny McAllister, said today’s announcement is just another way the Albanese Government is empowering families and businesses to take control of their energy use, while easing cost of living pressures.

“For purchases big and small, whether replacing the lights or buying a new dishwasher, we want families to feel empowered at the checkout and save on bills.

“Calculations show that by switching 10 halogen lamps to LED lamps, Australian families could benefit up to $229 a year.

“Through minimum standards and labelling, the GEMS Act has already helped Australians save between $12 to $18 billion on their bills over the last ten years.”