Third phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme to take full effect on Sunday
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"The energy label classifies energy performance into five grades. Products with a Grade 1 energy label are the most energy efficient. With this information, consumers can make informed decisions in purchasing more energy efficient products," a spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) said today (November 29).
"Any person who supplies a prescribed product that does not properly bear an energy label or is not a 'listed model' under the Ordinance will commit an offence and is liable to a fine of $100,000. The EMSD will conduct inspections at retail shops to ensure compliance with the Ordinance," the spokesman said.
The MEELS was introduced in May 2008 through the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598), which requires energy labels to be shown on all prescribed products for supply in Hong Kong. The first and second phases of the scheme cover five types of products, namely room air-conditioners, refrigerating appliances, compact fluorescent lamps, washing machines with a rated washing capacity at or under 7kg and dehumidifiers. The third phase of the scheme covers three more prescribed products, namely televisions, storage type electric water heaters and induction cookers, and extends the scope of two existing prescribed products. It came into effect on June 1, 2018, with a grace period of 18 months.
The eight products currently covered under MEELS altogether account for about 70 per cent of the annual electricity consumption in the residential sector. When the third phase is fully implemented, MEELS is expected to help consumers save about 625 million kilowatt hours a year, equivalent to a reduction of annual carbon dioxide emissions of about 440 000 tonnes.
For more details of MEELS and information on listed models, please visit the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel/).
Ends/Friday, November 29, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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