• NSW Energy Savings Scheme Rule Change Consultation Released
• Consultation papers released for the Guarantees of Origin Scheme

NSW Energy Savings Scheme Rule Change Consultation Released

The NSW Government has released a consultation paper detailing proposed changes to the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) Rule and Regulation, aiming for continuous improvement, and is seeking stakeholder feedback. The proposed changes are outlined below:

• • Proposal 1: Discontinue the Commercial Lighting Method – Residential lighting, roads and public spaces would remain
  • Proposal 2: Discontinue gas boiler installation/replacement activities
  • Proposal 3: Require customers to be provided a minimum 5-year whole-of-system product warranty for all heat pumps
  • Proposal 4: Suspend eligibility for ESS incentives for replacing an existing refrigerated display cabinet
  • Proposal 5: Discontinue the Sale of New Appliances (SONA) method 3 months after the amended Rule is gazetted
  • Proposal 6: Enable NABERS baseline method for schools and retail stores
  • Proposal 7: Updating certificate conversion factors to reflect the increasing proportion of renewable energy in the NSW electricity grid, which will positively impact the incentives for gas savings and fuel-switching activities

The government also seeks stakeholder feedback on these proposed changes and broader issues related to heat pump and air-conditioning activities, as well as telemarketing and door-knocking campaigns within the scheme.

Consultation Papers Released for the Guarantee of Origin Scheme

Australia has passed legislation to establish a voluntary Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme, providing a government-backed framework for tracking emissions and supporting the growth of green industries and is now open for public consultation.

Within the Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme, Australian enterprises can register and seek two distinct GO certificates:

• • Product GO (PGO) certificates: These will detail the emissions footprint of specific goods.
  • Renewable Electricity GO (REGO) certificates: These will provide details concerning the production of renewable electricity, including time, location, and method.

Initially, the GO scheme will focus on renewable electricity and hydrogen, with planned extensions to encompass products like low-carbon liquid fuels and green metals.

The Australian Government is consulting with stakeholders on draft subordinate legislation. This subordinate legislation will set out the details of the GO scheme.

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.