WILSON SAYS ACCC CASE SHOWS POWER OF STAR RATINGS SAVINGS

Queensland Energy Minister Geoff Wilson welcomed this week’s announcement that LG will provide $3.1 million in rebates to customers who bought one of the company’s 15,000 wrongly labelled air conditioners

“The investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission of LG Electronics really demonstrates the strength of our star energy rating system,” said Mr Wilson.

“The ACCC found that because of the wrong labels, consumers would have been paying up to $430 over the life of the appliance.

“That shows the impact on a family’s budget of energy efficiency. You can make long term savings by choosing an energy-efficient appliance,” Mr Wilson said.

“This case also shows that Minimum Performance Energy Standards are having an effect and are enforceable.”

The ACCC investigation found that LG overstated the cooling output and energy star rating of a number of models, and that the energy consumption of these models was higher than that claimed by LG.

For one mode, the energy efficiency rating was lower than the relevant Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS).

“This decision demonstrates the integrity and teeth of the Australian energy star rating system’” Mr Wilson said.

“It sends a strong message to all electrical goods manufacturers that they must comply with energy efficiency standards for their appliances if they are to market them in Australia.

“The decision also demonstrates that the Queensland Government is on the right track, in working with other States and Territories and the Commonwealth to expand the reach of the energy star ratings system and further improve energy performance.”

For further information on the energy rating system visit www.energy.qld.gov.au/ appliances.cfm or www.energyrating.gov.au

The ACCC has advised that the affected models and the relevant dates of sale are: LST182H-2 (from 16 October 2002 to 14 December 2004), LST244H-2 (31 October 2002 to 22 October 2005), LST244T-2 (24 October 2002 to 20 January 2004), LSZ182M-4 (23 September 2004 to 20 October 2005) and LBNL6081BL/ LBUL6080BL (3 September 2003 to 22 September 2005).

Consumers who purchased these models between the dates listed and who relied on representations made by LG in relation to the cooling capacity, power consumption or efficiency of that air conditioner should contact LG on 1800 506 154.

Media Contact David Shankey (07) 3225 1819