Tighter energy standards for water heaters and refrigerators in 2025

The standards will take effect on 1 April 2025.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) will extend the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme and Minimum Energy Performance Standard to household water heaters and commercial storage refrigerators starting 1 April 2025.

The performance standards and labelling scheme expansion will allow consumers and businesses to opt for models that reduce energy bills and contribute to Singapore's broader decarbonisation goals.

Water heaters, the third most energy-intensive household appliances, will transform with the 5-tick rating scale. 

NEA will establish minimum energy standards, targeting the phase-out of inefficient models, spanning storage, instantaneous, and heat pump water heaters.

Moreover, an Energy Label will guide households in identifying and transitioning to more energy-efficient models, potentially resulting in annual savings of up to $115.

NEA, recognising the energy-intensive nature of commercial storage refrigerators commonly found in kitchen setups, will also implement minimum energy performance standards to eliminate inefficient models. 

Simultaneously, NEA will introduce a 5-tick rating scale Energy Label to aid businesses in selecting energy-efficient alternatives. 

Amidst the higher upfront costs, businesses stand to save up to $700 annually, with the initial investment typically recovered within one to two years.