Effective 12 August 2016, the Minister of Trade and Industry (Minister) declared amendments to the compulsory specification for hot water storage tanks for domestic use (VC 9006). However, the Minister declared the effective date of clause 3.2 of VC 9006 to be 12 August 2017. Clause 3.2 of VC 9006, which is now in operation, demands that fixed storage water heaters have a minimum energy efficiency rating of class B when tested in accordance with SANS 151.
The geyser industry is able to satisfy the requirements for approval of their products by the NRCS for them to manufacture, import, sell or supply their products as contemplated in VC 9006.
Various challenges were experienced by the geyser industry in attempting to satisfy the requirements for approval of their products by the NRCS for them to manufacture, import, sell or supply their products as contemplated in VC 9006. This led to a delay in the availability of level B energy efficient geysers.
As SAIA members play an important part in replacing geysers, the fact that level B geysers were not available meant compliance to the regulation could not be adhered to which was a major concern. SAIA, together with all stakeholders, including the Department of Energy, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specification (NRCS), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and geyser manufacturers and retailers held numerous engagements to address the challenges which were being encountered.
Following several workshops and meetings, these challenges have now been resolved and class B energy efficient geysers are available from manufactures and retailers. The NRCS has indicated that they are relying heavily on the non-life insurance industry (through procurement channels) to ensure that regulations are being complied with. The NRCS has requested SAIA members to ensure compliance when installing geysers.
SAIA requests members to ensure that business partners, incident managers and service providers are fully aware of this regulation and that it is being adhered to.
For further information please follow the links below or contact Susan Walls, SAIA Insurance Risks Technical Advisor: susan@saia.co.za