The new energy efficiency grading standards for refrigerating appliances, washing machines and storage type electric water heaters under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme will take full effect on September 30, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department announced today.

From September 30, those electrical appliances must bear energy labels in compliance with the new energy efficiency grading standards before they are supplied to the local market.

The reference number of the new energy label will carry the prefix “U3”.

The new standards aim to encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient models and help consumers select such products, the department explained.

It elaborated that the implementation of the new grading standards is expected to bring an additional energy saving of about 270 million kilowatt-hours per year, equivalent to an annual reduction of carbon emissions by about 189,000 tonnes.

The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products was revised last year, with the energy efficiency grading standards for the aforementioned products raised by about 30%. The 15-month transitional period will end on September 29.