Energy Labelling Scheme Expands to Cover Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters

Hong Kong: The fourth phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) in Hong Kong will take effect on 1 December, expanding its scope to include gas instantaneous water heaters and other products. MEELS, introduced in 2008 under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, requires prescribed products to display energy labels that classify performance into five grades, with Grade 1 being the most energy efficient. Retailers must ensure compliance, as violations can result in fines of up to HKD 100,000 (USD 12,800).

With this expansion, MEELS now includes 11 product categories, covering a broader range of appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators among others. The move is expected to save 570 terajoules of energy annually, equivalent to about 160 million kilowatt-hours, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 75,000 tonnes each year. The scheme will now encompass around 80% of energy consumption in the residential sector, up from 50%.

Source: Dimsum Daily Hong Kong