The Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance has been gazetted, providing the legal basis for the introduction of a mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme.

The first phase of the mandatory scheme will cover room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps. Energy labels must be shown on these products to inform consumers of their energy efficiency performance.

There will be an 18-month grace period to allow the trade to adapt to the mandatory scheme and its requirements.

The scheme can cut annual electricity consumption by 150GWh bringing savings of $135 million in power bills and a reduction of 105,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.