Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) goes Mobile and raises energy efficiency standards!
by Professor Robert Gibson, Fellow of Civic Exchange and Joyce Yeung, Intern at Civic Exchange
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is making energy labeling stricter. Under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS), energy labels must now be shown on eight types of electrical devices for sale in Hong Kong. It tells consumers how energy efficient they are.
Energy-efficient products consume less energy, save on your electricity bill, and help combat climate change.
Starting December 2019, televisions, storage type electric water heaters, and induction cookers were added to the list. By the end of 2021, the grading system will be tightened for single package type room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and compact fluorescent lamps.
For example according to MEELS, an average Grade 5 television uses 1.7 times the energy of a Grade 1 television. For a 79-inch TV that is a difference of about 500 kWh, costing $583 more per year.
The EMSD has also launched the E&M Connect App so consumers can scan energy labels and compare the energy performance of different household electrical appliances. The application will help make energy efficiency information more accessible, allowing customers to directly compare the cost-effectiveness and electricity use of different electrical appliances as they are shopping in-store.
