*********************************************************

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (December 23) extended the voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (EELS) to cover electronic ballasts, computers and domestic gas instant water heaters.

The department is now inviting manufacturers, importers and local agents of these three products to participate in this voluntary scheme. The scheme is a "Recognition Type" labelling system, which means consumers can identify the products as energy-efficient.

To qualify for these types of labels, the products should meet the energy efficiency and performance requirements of the scheme. Energy labels are to be affixed to their products, informing consumers of the energy efficiency of individual products. With this information, consumers will be better informed to make better choices.

Apart from helping consumers to select products that are more energy-efficient, EELS also aims to:

(a) promote greater public awareness of energy conservation and environmental protection;

(b) encourage the manufacturers and market to phase out products that are less energy-efficient; and

(c) achieve actual savings in energy bills.

With the inclusion of these three new types of products, there are now 16 types of products covered by EELS, which was introduced in 1995.

Enquiries about the extension of EELS can be sent to the Energy Efficiency Office of the EMSD, 11/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay or by calling 2881 1562. Information about the EELS is also available at the EMSD homepage: http://www.emsd.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, December 23, 2004

NNNN