Standby Power Strategy 2002-2012

In November 2002, Australia released its National Standby Strategy 2002-2012. A key element of the Strategy was the identification of possible problem products and action plans to achieve the 1-Watt target for energy consumption through the development and release of "Product Profiles". The Profiles provided background information, proposed measures for government and a date for review. Voluntary targets were used in the first instance before application of mandatory performance standards in the case of non-compliance. A plan was established by the Australian government in March 2004 for reducing the standby power of various products. Comments on this plan suggested that mandatory regulations might better meet the Australian and New Zealand government efficiency goals. This plan has been enlarged to cover all products that use standby power that are not covered by existing or proposed regulation. In late 2006, the Australian government formally moved to apply the 1 Watt standard for standby power use. The 2005 Intrusive Residential Standby Survey Report concluded that standby power consumption generally accounted for over 10% of Australia's household electricity usage, costing more than AUD 950 million and generating more than 6.5 Mt of carbon dioxide per annum. In 2008 the standby power standard for MEPS was provided to Standards Australia for publication. Timing of the implementation of the 1 Watt standard is under review.

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