On 12 December 2013 the Department of Industry released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on electric storage hot water heaters. The RIS examines various policy options to streamline regulations and reduce the operating costs of electric storage hot water heaters to consumers. The options presented in the RIS focus on the electric storage water heater market with special consideration for electric storage units when they are used as part of a solar water heater or heat pump water heater system. The RIS notes that the term ‘electric storage water heater’ covers three main types of water heaters: conventional electric storage water heaters, heat pump water heaters and electric-boosted solar water heaters. Conventional electric storage water heaters, also known as electric resistive water heaters, heat water through one or more electric resistive elements and store the hot water for later use. Electric storage water heaters are also used as a key component of solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters where the electric element provides limited heating (usually for ‘boosting’ low water temperature). The options considered in the RIS include changes to the current tank heat loss requirements (including changes to exclusions, levels and testing consistency), improved product information and education activities. The RIS notes that these options may impact consumers, manufacturers and importers of conventional electric water heaters, electric-boosted solar systems and heat pump water heaters. A COAG Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) was prepared by the Department of Industry and has been approved by the OBPR. The consultation period closes on 14 February 2014.
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