Minimum Energy Performance Standards

What is MEPS ?

MEPS is the acronym for Minimum Energy Performance Standards. This specifies the minimum level of energy performance that the appliances or product, (in this case, pool pumps) must meet or exceed before they can be offered for sale in the Australian Market.

When is MEPS introduced for pool pumps in Australia ?

The MEPS regulation for pool pumps states any pool pump in scope of MEPS that is manufactured on or after 01^st October 2022 is required to be labelled with the appropriate Energy Star rating label. Any stock that is manufacture before 01^st October 2022, can be sold without the Energy Star rating label or the voluntary label scheme of 2009.

How is a MEPS product displayed to the customer?

The New Energy Star rating and label will be as follows:

What are in scope pumps ?

In scope pumps are the pumps that will be mandated to have the MEPS energy star rating label from the 01^st October 2022. These fall under the below specifications:

1. Single Phase pumps
2. Pump Flow rate to be equal to or greater than 120 litres per minute
3. Input power range for single speed pumps = 600 Watts to 1700 Watts
4. Input power range for multi speed pumps = 600 Watts to 3450 Watts

 What is the standard for the new MEPS regulations ?

The new MEPS regulations is covered under the "Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Swimming Pool Pump-units) Determination 2021" which comes into effect in October. This determination calls for testing methodology as per AS 5102.1-2019.

What is the voluntary standard for the previous MEPS regulations ?

The previous MEPS testing was covered under the two parts of standard AS 5102-2009.

AS 5102.1-2009 covered the testing methodology.

AS 5102.2-2009 covered the star rating calculation and labelling requirements.

This was a voluntary declaration scheme for MEPS.

The new 2019 standard is a mandatory declaration of MEPS for all in-scope pumps.

What is the difference between the 2009 and 2019 Energy Star label ?

2009 Voluntary Energy Star Label	2019 Mandatory Energy Star Label

What is the difference between the 2009 and 2019 MEPS standards ?

The primary difference between the 2009 and 2019 standard is the testing procedure and the calculation of the star rating.

The 2009 standard stipulates testing to be done at low speed with 120 lpm ( on the D-Curve) and use a fixed baseline Energy Factor (EF) of 9.0 for all pumps when calculating the star rating.

The 2019 standard stipulates testing to be done at multiple flow rates with low speed (120 lpm) and high speed (80% of max flow). The star rating calculation uses a baseline Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) that is calculated based on the pump's nameplate power.

How is the energy label to be communicated by an OEM as per the new 2019 MEPS regulations ?

All in scope pumps require to have the new 2019 regulations energy star label to be adhered to, be printed on, or be included in the packaging of each unit of the product.

Fluidra in-scope pump products for Astral pool and Zodiac will have the new energy star label as a printed label adhered to the packaging carton. An additional label will also be included inside the carton for our customers.

How is the energy label to be communicated by any seller as per the new 2019 MEPS regulations ?

All in-scope pumps that are on display (unpacked), require to have the new 2019 regulations energy star label displayed along with the product. This can be as per the below:

1. Placed beside the packing carton showing the energy star label
2. Energy star label adhered directly to the product on display
3. Energy star label attached to the product as a double-sided swing tag

The same regulations apply for any in-scope product that may be a non-functioning or display only  unit.

Fluidra in-scope pump products for Astral pool and Zodiac are provided with an additional label inside the carton that can be used by seller when the product is on display.

It is the responsibility of the seller to adhere to the regulations when displaying the in-scope products.

What are the penalties for the breach of the new 2019 MEPS regulations?

As per the GEMS Act 2012, penalties for non-compliance, range between 60 and 120 penalty units.

The current value of an Australian penalty unit is $222, which translates to penalties of between $13,320 and $26,640.

This could be much more if it is calculated per offence.

How does MEPS star rating help the consumer?

Comparing different pool pumps can help consumers make an informed decision to lower electricity costs, minimise electricity consumption and operate your pool at an optimum level based on comparative energy consumptions of products.

Where can I find more information on MEPS star rating?

Addition information on product star rating can be found at Energy Rating Website.