Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme Expands to Include LEDs and Gas Appliances Starting December 1.

Fourth phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme takes full effect December 1

The fourth phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) will be fully implemented on December 1 to include light emitting diode (LED) lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters.

MEELS was introduced in May 2008 under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598) (Ordinance), which requires energy labels to be shown on all prescribed products for supply in Hong Kong. The energy labels classify the energy performance of prescribed products into five grades. Products with a Grade 1 energy label are the most energy-efficient. With this concise and easy-to-understand label, consumers can make informed decisions in purchasing more energy-efficient products. Any person who supplies a prescribed product that does not properly bear an energy label or is not a 'listed model' under the Ordinance will commit an offence, and is liable to a fine of $100,000. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) will inspect retail shops to ensure compliance with the legislation.

Taking the fourth phase into account, MEELS covers a total of 11 types of products, including room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances, compact fluorescent lamps, washing machines, dehumidifiers, televisions, storage type electric water heaters, induction cookers, LED lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters. The fourth phase of MEELS came into effect on September 1, 2023, with a transitional period of 15 months. Upon the implementation of the fourth phase, the additional potential annual energy saving is estimated to be around 570 terajoules (around 160 million kilowatt-hours), equivalent to a reduction of about 75000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The total energy consumption in the residential sector covered by MEELS will substantially increase from about 50 per cent to about 80 per cent.

For more details of MEELS and information on the listed models, please visit the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel).

Police National Security Department charges two men and arrests one woman

The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force arrested a 26-year-old woman on December 12 night for being suspected of committing the offence of “unlawful drilling” under Section 13 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in connection with the enforcement operation conducted on December 11.

Regarding the nine persons arrested earlier, NSD has laid charge against two of the men, aged 24 and 25, jointly with one count of "conspiracy to commit subversion". The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (December 15) morning.

The arrested woman and other arrestees were released on bail and are required to report back to the Police in mid-January 2026.

Investigation revealed that a syndicate has been conducting unlawful drilling inside a unit of an industrial building in Kowloon. The training content includes firearms drills, knife techniques and combat techniques. Police conducted searches at the unit suspected of being used for unlawful drilling and seized offensive weapons associated with the unlawful drilling.

Police remind members of the public that "conspiracy to commit subversion" is a serious offence. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for more than 10 years on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Source: AI-found images