20% Of Air-Cons, 9% Of Fridges Don't Meet Energy Standards: Nea

[therat 18]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1150310/1/.html

SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) has found that about one-fifth of air-conditioner models in Singapore do not meet the minimum energy efficiency standards, as of late August 2011.

It added that nine per cent of refrigerator models are not up to the mark as well.

NEA said there are about 60 registered suppliers in the market for these appliances.

Under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), registrable goods in Singapore must be registered with NEA, affixed with Energy Labels and meet the prescribed minimum energy efficiency standards before they can be supplied in Singapore.

And more than 500 air-con and 400 refrigerator models have met the requirements put forward by Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). MEPS aims to remove the most energy inefficient air-conditioners and refrigerators from the market.

NEA said it will carry out regular checks on unregistered suppliers selling appliances that do not comply with the minimum standards. Such appliances will be taken off the market, with effect from Thursday.

Offenders will be given warning letters/e-mails or be liable for fines of up to S$2,000 upon conviction.

-CNA/ac