• IPART Releases Safeguard Annual Report and Updated Compliance Priorities

IPART Releases Safeguard Annual Report and Updated Compliance Priorities.

This week, IPART announced the release of the Safeguard Annual Report alongside the updated compliance priorities for 2024-25. The compliance priorities outline the focus areas for the resource allocation in the year ahead, targeting key risk areas for non-compliance.

Key focus areas include:

Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Installations
Given the high level of HPWH activity, IPART aims to mitigate non-compliance risks with standards and licensing. Random inspections, audits, and investigations will be conducted to ensure installations meet the Safeguard Schemes goals of energy savings and peak demand reduction. 

Battery Installations
New battery activities will commence on 1 November 2024. IPART will monitor compliance with the PDRS rule and inspect installations to ensure they are safe, compliant, and meet the objectives of reducing peak electricity demand.

Deceptive, Fraudulent, or Misleading Conduct
IPART is intensifying efforts to detect and deter improper conduct that undermines public confidence in the Safeguard Schemes. Serious wrongdoing will face penalties, including the suspension or cancellation of Accredited Persons.

Scheme Participant Liability
With new participants and changes from AEMO, IPART will focus on supporting liable entities in meeting their compliance obligations through targeted engagement and information sessions.

Consumer Protection
Ongoing consumer complaints, particularly around product performance and misleading information, remain a priority. IPART will leverage partnerships and tools to ensure positive consumer experiences and uphold the reputation of the safeguard schemes. 

For full details, view the published Compliance Priorities and Safeguard Annual Report

At Ecovantage, we consistently analyse market activity, policy changes, consultation releases, and creation rates in conjunction with wider landscape activity. This allows us to keep our clients at the forefront of all relevant changes, and to leverage the advantage that this presents. Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any general or project-specific questions.

Bianca Gustini | Business Development Manager, Energy & Carbon Services
Bianca specialises in Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme (REPS) and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS).