Latest Updates - 2010

Update to the Register of solar water heaters – Version 8

Version 8 of the Register of solar water heaters is in effect from Friday 17 December 2010. You will be able to view and download a copy of the eligible list of solar water heater models from the Register of Solar Water Heaters and Postcode Zones.

Please email retscheme@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au to receive Version 33 of the Bulk upload workbook for solar water heater installations.

REC Registry Closure

The REC Registry will be undergoing a major upgrade over the Christmas period and will be unavailable from the 24 December 2010 to the 4 January 2011 (inclusive).

This upgrade is to facilitate the amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, which will come into force on the 1 January, 2011.

Please ensure that any 2010 activities requiring access to the REC Registry are completed by midnight on the 23rd December 2010.

LRET/SRES guides available

ORER is releasing stakeholder guides ahead of 1 January 2011 to assist stakeholders in preparing for the implementation of the Large-scale Renewable Target (LRET) and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

Visit - LRET/SRES - the basics

Regulations now in force

The following regulatory amendments to the scheme were made on the 8 December 2010 and are now in force.

Visit the regulations on the ComLaw website

The Small-scale Technology Percentage is set at 14.8% for the 2011 compliance year

The setting of the STP is part of the process outlined in the Amendment Act passed in June 2010 establishing the Small-scale Technology Percentage which sets the rate of liability for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and requires liable entities to purchase and surrender STCs at the end of each quarter starting in 2011.

The 2012 – 2013 STP estimates will be published prior to 31 March 2011 on the ORER website.

The Small-scale Technology page contains information on how the STP is set.

The Renewable Power Percentage is set at 5.62% for the 2011 compliance year

The Renewable Power Percentage sets the rate of liability for the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and requires liable entities to purchase and surrender LGCs from 1 January to 14 February for the previous calendar year.

The Renewable Power Percentage page contains information on how the RPP is set.

The Solar Credits multiplier is reduced from 5 to 4 from 1 July 2011

Under the new Solar Credit arrangements, a reduced multiplier of four will apply to systems installed from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012. The multiplier will then phase down by one each year as per the original intention of the mechanism, as the cost of installing solar systems is expected to decline further over time.

Amendments to the solar credit multiplier numbers

Changes to the multiplier number will not affect any other aspect of Solar Credits.

• The level of support a system receives under Solar Credits is determined by the date the system is installed.
• Current installations and systems installed before 1 July 2011 will not be impacted by the changes, allowing industry and households time to adjust. This means small generation units (SGUs), which include eligible solar PV systems, and small wind and hydro power generators installed up until this time will continue to receive Solar Credits support with using a multiplier of five.

New condition for creation of certificates for SGUs - providing details of out of pocket expenses

From 1 February 2011, a registered person cannot create a certificate for an SGU unless they provide information on the total out of pocket expenses (including GST) the owner of the SGU incurred in purchasing the system before being able to create certificates.

The purpose of this requirement is to ensure ongoing transparency around the level of out-of-pocket costs for rooftop solar PV systems and other SGUs that receive additional support through Solar Credits.

In most cases the purchase price (including any additional charges for metering) will constitute the out of pocket expenses which are reported as a single reasonable estimate. However, in more complex supply arrangements other information may need to be compiled in order to calculate and submit the single estimate of the total out of pocket expenses. This may include:

• the total amount paid for the SGU and its installation
• other expenses
• the non-market value of additional services provided as part of a single installation price
• any amount to be paid to the purchaser
• the value of any certificates that may be created by the purchaser (i.e. where RECs were not assigned to an agent).

The REC Registry will require the total out of pocket expenses during the STC creation process. More details will be provided soon regarding the calculation of out-of pocket expenses.

The Regulator will publish aggregated data on the out-of-pocket expenses incurred for SGUs on the ORER website after the end of each quarter.

Inspections of small generation units

The new regulations provide details of an inspection regime for SGU installations to assess their conformance with relevant Australian Standards and other requirements relevant to the creation of certificates for SGU installations.

It is anticipated that the inspection regime will commence in early 2011. State and territory governments through their respective electrical safety regulations and through the Building Code, are responsible for regulating SGU safety. It is not intended the new inspection regime would impinge on state and territory responsibilities for enforcement. However where information is found during the course of an inspection performed under these new regulations that is relevant to these bodies, this information will be shared with them to inform the operation of their electrical safety regimes.

The regulations also specify the general requirements for inspections, appointments of inspectors, powers of inspectors, reports, declarations by the Regulator to suspend people from designing and installing SGUs and provisions on the review of Regulator declarations.

Changes to Regulatory framework for Register of Solar Water Heaters

The Regulations relating to solar water heaters were updated to reflect two changes. 

• To allow the Renewable Energy Regulator to refer to a Legislative Instrument to determine the number of RECs a solar water heater is entitled to.  Previously, the regulations had to be amended if the Renewable Energy Regulator wished to update the method for determining the number of RECs a solar water heater was entitled to.  Now the Regulator only needs to update the Legislative Instrument to make any changes. This will allow the ORER to make amendments to the methodology more efficiently.
• The regulations amend particular references to Australian Standards, which require that all solar water heaters must now meet those updated standards in order to become an eligible device for the purpose of the RET and creation of certificates. Those already on the Regulator’s register of solar water heaters will also have to comply with the new standards in order to remain eligible to create certificates in the future.

The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) is inviting industry stakeholders for public consultation on the 19B legislative instrument – STC methodology for solar water heaters and air source heat pump water heaters.

Visit - Public consultation for 19B legislative instrument - STC methodology for solar water heaters and air source heat pump water heaters

Contracts for conversion of STCs to LGCs

A party to a contract that was entered into on or before 25 February 2010 and that meets all other eligibility criteria (as described at Understand transitional arrangements for LRET/SRES) may apply to the Regulator to have a certain number of STCs transferred under the contract each year (the annual transfer number) to be considered as LGCs.

Prior to applying to have STCs converted to LGCs, an eligible party must first apply to the Regulator for an annual transfer number via the Application for Annual Transfer Number form, by 31 December 2010. To access the form visit Application for Annual Transfer.

If you need assistance with completing the form or have questions regarding transitional REC/LGC contracts please contact the Power Stations Team. P: 02 6159 7700 or orer@orer.gov.au.

Public  consultation for 19B legislative instrument - STC methodology for solar water heaters and air source heat pump water heaters

The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) is inviting industry stakeholders for public consultation on the 19B legislative instrument – STC methodology for solar water heaters and air sources heat pumps.

Calculation of small-scale technology certificate (STC) entitlements must be completed for each solar water heater model seeking inclusion in the Register of solar water heaters. The method for calculating the savings is based on Australian Standards, which have now been updated and accordingly ORER is updating the STC calculation methodology

Please note the change of name from REC to STC reflects the fact that all solar water heaters installed after 1 January 2011 will be part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), and will be eligible for STCs. See the LRET-SRES - the basics for more information.

Feedback closes 5pm ADST, 5 January 2011.

Visit - Public consultation for 19B legislative instrument - STC methodology for solar water heaters and air source heat pump water heaters

Recall of selected Rheem heat pumps

ORER has received the following message from Rheem and wishes to pass this onto RET stakeholders.

Rheem is undertaking a voluntary safety recall on selected models in its range of heat pump water heaters under the Rheem and Everhot brands.  Rheem brand models affected include: 451325, 551325, 554325, 551410, 561325.  Everhot brand models affected include: 261270, 261325, 261410.

There is a fault within an electrical component in less than 1% of units, which would manifest itself as short bursts of extreme vibration accompanied by a loud hammering noise.  In almost all cases, the heat pump will shut down as a result.  In some rare instances, short bursts of extreme vibration accompanied by a loud hammering noise may occur.  If this condition is apparent, Rheem advises consumers to shut the unit off at the switchboard and immediately call the company. Even if this condition is not apparent, Rheem is requesting that consumers register their affected heat pump water heater on its dedicated website: www.heatpumpwaterheater.com.au or call 1800 036 018, so on site modifications can be made, free of charge to the owner, to eliminate the potential for the fault.

These simple but effective modifications are being undertaken to ensure product safety and durability.  This recall has been put in place purely as a precautionary measure, Rheem apologises for any inconvenience this may cause consumers.

Minister announces reduction in Solar Credits Multiplier and new 2011 STP

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet today announced:

• a reduction in the Solar Credits multiplier from 5 to 4 from 1 July 2011; and
• a 2011 Small-scale Technology Percentage (STP) of 14.8%.

Visit - Media Release

ORER is currently waiting on regulations regarding the above changes and will be placing more detailed information on the ORER website when the regulations are in force. ORER is expecting these regulations to be in force by mid December.

Please note:

• The level of support a system receives under Solar Credits is determined by the date the system is installed.
• Changes to the multiplier will not affect any other aspect of Solar Credits. Current installations will not be affected by the changes, and installations up to 30 June 2011 will continue to receive Solar Credits with a multiplier of 5.
• As the first systems to be affected by the reduced multiplier will be installed more than six months from the announcement, no transitional arrangements are considered necessary.

Updating the Register of solar water heaters – Version 9

The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) regularly updates the Register of solar water heaters to update the list of solar water heater models eligible to have Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) created for them.

Submissions will be accepted starting from 15th November 2010 to update the Register of solar water heaters - Version 9.

Submissions will not be accepted after 3pm ADST on the 15th December 2010. Submissions that are incomplete at that time will not be accepted.

The full range of requirements for the preparation of submissions is available on the Manufacturer's page. Please note that Parts A and B of the submission forms have been updated since Version 8. Submissions will only be accepted that use the amended forms.

For further information please contact Emma Jacobs on 02 6159 7436 or via emma.jacobs@orer.gov.au

More information about the rounds can be found at:

• Updating the Register of solar water heaters
• Solar water heaters Manufacturer's page
• Submission forms

Updating Version 9 of the Register of solar water heaters has now closed and is no longer available on the ORER website.

2010 Compliance Year Update - for registered persons and liable entities

The 2010 compliance period is fast approaching. Please read carefully the 2010 compliance year update for important information regarding key timelines and availability of 2010 annual reporting forms for power stations, solar water heaters, small generation units, and liable entities including when to create, register, transfer and surrender certificates.

Visit - 2010 Compliance Year Update

Please note the splitting of the scheme from 1 January 2011 into the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) alters some of the compliance deadlines and the classification of certificates.

Transitionals for RECs – new information on ORER website

On 28 June 2010 the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2010 received Royal Assent.

As of 1 January 2011, the Renewable Energy Target (RET) will be separated into two parts, the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The ORER website now has information around transitional requirements for RECs.

Summary of transitional requirements is as follows:

• Certificates for eligible renewable energy power stations created from 1 January 2011 will be classified as large-scale generation certificates (LGCs).
• Certificates created for small-scale renewable energy systems installed before 1 January 2011 which are created on or after 1 January 2011 will be classified as LGCs. In this case certificates must be created within 12 months of installation (see item 5 of Schedule 2 of the Amendment Act.)
• Certificates for solar water and small generation units installed after 1 January 2011 will be classified as small-scale technology certificates (STCs).
• In certain circumstances, owners of these STCs may apply to the Regulator to get STCs converted to LGCs if there is a contract entered into on or before 25 February 2010 and other conditions are met.

For more information regarding contracts visit Agent responsibilities on the ORER website.

Civil penalties and enforceable undertakings – new information on ORER website

As of 29 June 2010 new enforcement remedies are available to the Regulator under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. These include civil penalty orders, enforceable undertakings and injunctions. The new provisions apply in respect of contraventions of the Act by individuals, companies, executive officers of companies and other persons involved in contraventions of the Act.

The compliance page now contains an explanation and examples of contraventions and penalties under the Act to assist you with your compliance responsibilities.

In brief, the contraventions to the Act are:

1. A person cannot create a renewable energy certificate (REC) if they are not entitled to according to the Act. (Subsection 24 A (1)).
2. A person cannot provide information that is false or misleading to the person creating the REC. (Subsection 24 B (1)) This could include homeowners or installers providing information to Registered Agents.
3. A body corporate contravenes a civil penalty provision and the executive officer was in a position to influence the body corporate but failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention. This could apply to companies registered to create RECs.

Civil penalty orders

The Renewable Energy Regulator may commence court proceedings against any person who contravenes these subsections.

The maximum penalty a court can impose for a contravention of Subsection 24 A (1) is:

• for an individual— the greater of (a) 1 penalty unit for each REC to which the contravention relates, up to a maximum of 10,000 penalty units ($1,100,000); or (b) 100 penalty units ($11,000).
• for a body corporate— the greater of (a) 5 penalty units for each REC to which the contravention relates, up to a maximum of 50,000 penalty units ($5,500,000); or (b) 500 ($55,000) penalty units.

The maximum penalty a court can impose upon a person for a contravention of subsections 24A(2), 24B(1) and 24B(2) is:

• for an individual— 100 penalty units ($11,000).
• for a body corporate— 500 penalty units ($55,000).

One penalty units is $110.

Enforceable undertakings

Division 1 of Part 15B provides for an enforceable undertaking regime. This regime allows persons who may not have complied with the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 or the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 (or associated provisions in the Criminal Code 1995) to agree to a number of measures to ensure current and future compliance and to rectify past non-compliance.

Please ensure you peruse this information and seek legal advice if necessary.

Visit the compliance page for more information.

The amended Regulations are accessible through the ComLaw website.

Amendments to Regulations - additional eligible EITE activities

Amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 were made on 14 October 2010 to include 10 additional eligible EITE activities for the provision of partial exemption certificates (PECs). The additional EITE activities are:

• Tissue paper manufacturing
• Integrated iron and steel manufacturing
• Manufacture of carbon steel from cold ferrous feed
• Petroleum refining
• Production of ethene (ethylene)
• Production of polyethylene
• Production of synthetic rutile
• Production of manganese
• Production of clinker
• Production of lime

The amended Regulations are accessible through the ComLaw website.

Visit the EITEs page for more information on PEC applications for eligible EITE activities.

Public consultation on draft Renewable Energy Target regulations opens

The Government is inviting stakeholders to make submissions on draft Renewable Energy Target regulations, which have been released for public comment. On 24 June 2010 the Commonwealth Parliament passed legislation to separate the Renewable Energy Target (RET) into the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. A number of regulations need to be made as a consequence of the amendments made by Parliament.

Submissions close on Friday 29 October 2010.

The consultation papers can be found on the DCCEE web page: Consultation on Renewable Energy Target Regulation

Revised deadlines for PEC applications

Due to recent regulatory amendments:

1. The deadline for lodgement of 2010 PEC applications has been extended to 1 December 2010.
2. The deadline for lodgement of 2010 PEC applications under Regulations 22L and 22M has been extended to 13 January 2011.
3. The deadline for lodgement of later year PEC applications has been extended to 30 March of the year to which the application relates (such that the deadline for the 2011 PEC application is 30 March 2011).

Visit the EITEs section for more information on PEC applications.

The amended Regulations are accessible through the ComLaw website.

Amendments to Regulations affecting SGUs and EITEs/PECs

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 5) came into force on 30 September 2010.
These Amendments contain:

• changes to PEC application deadlines for EITE entities.
• new compliance requirements for installations of solar PV SGUs from 1 November 2010.
• new compliance requirements for wind and hydro SGU installations from 20 December 2010.

Updated documentation will be available on the ORER website over the next few weeks.

To see the new Amendments, please visit the ComLaw website.

Update to the Register of solar water heaters - Version 7

Version 7 of the Register of solar water heaters is in effect from Wednesday 11 August 2010. You will be able to view and download a copy of the eligible list of solar water heater models from the Register of Solar Water Heaters and Postcode Zones.

Please email retscheme@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au to receive Version 32 of the Bulk Upload Workbook for Solar Water Heater Installations.

Call for submissions - Register of solar water heaters - Version 8

The closing time for lodgement of submissions is 5pm Eastern Standard Time 31 August 2010.

Updating Version 8 of the Register of solar water heaters has now closed and is no longer available on the ORER website.

Regulations for air source heat pumps and off-grid SGU installations in force

The following regulations were made on the 8 July 2010 and are now in force:

• Under the legislation, air source heat pumps with a volumetric capacity over 425 litres are excluded from creating RECs if installed on or after 29 June 2010. This may not apply if the system fulfills contract requirements under the regulations.
• The legislation includes provisions to increase the kilowatt (kW) capacity limit for which the Solar Credits multiplier applies in relation to off-grid small generation unit installations up to the first 20 kW of a system capacity subject to an annual cap in the total number of certificates.

We encourage you to also look at the detail in the regulations and seek your own advice as to whether you qualify.

For further information, please contact the Small Renewables Registration team on 1300 553 542 or swh@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au.

ORER’s role is to administer the Act. If you have any questions about RET Policy contact the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency on ret@climatechange.gov.au

Enhanced Renewable Energy Target legislation has received Royal Assent

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Bill 2010 received Royal Assent on Monday 28 June 2010.

• Administrative arrangements for air source heat pumps and off-grid small generation units will be communicated to stakeholders when the regulations are made.
• It is the Government’s intention that RECs will still be able to be created where a contract for the acquisition or installation of an above 425 litre air source heat pump has been entered into (and a deposit paid) prior to 24 June 2010. The installation will need to be completed prior to 1 January 2011. More detail will be provided in the regulations. Visit - Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website.
• If you have questions on timing of the air source heat pump and off-grid small generation unit regulations contact the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency RET Policy team at ret@climatechange.gov.au
• REC Registry users - please keep your details up to date in the REC Registry including your email address, phone number and physical and mailing addresses to ensure you receive updates.

ORER will provide further updates on all administrative processes resulting from the Bill as soon as they are available.

Enhanced Renewable Energy Target legislation passed

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2010 was passed by the Parliament on Thursday 24 June 2010. The legislation is not yet in force as it is awaiting Royal Assent.

As of 1 January 2011, the Renewable Energy Target (RET) will be separated into two parts, the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The legislation is available on the Parliament of Australia website. Note that the approved amendments are yet to be integrated into the legislation.

• The amended legislation will also be available on the ComLaw website shortly
• ORER will send email updates to REC Registry accounts on any new or amended processes as soon as they are finalised and the necessary regulations are in force.
• ORER also plans to release a summary of the overarching administrative changes to the RET within the next couple of weeks via the ORER website. REC Registry account holders will be notified via email.

The significant legislative changes that will impact the industry directly the day after Royal Assent or within the next five months are as follows:

The day after Royal Assent

• Exclusion of air source heat pumps with a volumetric capacity over 425 litres from creating RECs if installed the day after Royal Assent or thereafter.
• The improper creation of certificates is now a civil penalty provision (s 24A) as well as a criminal penalty provision (existing s 24).
• A new civil penalty provision (s 24B) has been added in relation to providing false or misleading documents to a person who could be expected to create certificates for a small generation unit or solar water heater in reliance on that information.
• Executive officers of a body corporate may be liable if they knew of contraventions of civil penalty provisions, were in a position to influence that conduct and failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention (s 154N – 154P).
• The Regulator has a power to accept enforceable undertakings ( s 154Q) and to seek injunctions (s 154S).
• The Minister has been given a power to request information from corporations conducting emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities for the purposes of determining eligibility of those activities.

Within the next 5 months

• The Regulations must be made to increase the kilowatt (kW) capacity limit for which the Solar Credits multiplier applies in relation to off-grid small generation unit installations up to the first 20 kW of a system capacity subject to an annual cap in the total number of certificates. If you are wishing to create RECs for off-grid units in the near future please contact ORER at orer@orer.gov.au as the Regulations and REC Registry software will be updated shortly.

• The Regulations may give the Renewable Energy Regulator the power to adjust the Solar Credits multiplier. The Government will consult on draft regulations to implement this arrangement later this year. It is the intention that solar credits for SGUs would be able to be reduced if the Renewable Energy Regulator determines there is systemic evidence of relatively small or no out-of-pocket expense to owners of SGUs. The Act also gives the power for the regulations to increase the kW capacity limit of the solar credit multiplier up to 3kW.
• Annual LRET targets will be adjusted if the number of RECs exceeds a value equivalent to 34.5 million at the end of the 2010 calendar year. This is equal to a benchmark figure of 20 million RECs, net of the 2011 February surrender amount (12.5 million RECs) and the expected number of voluntarily surrendered RECs (2 million RECs). In this case the target will be increased by half the 2010 excess each year in 2012–2013 and reduced by a quarter of the 2010 excess each year from 2016–2019.
• Removal of the link to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in the regulations relating to the provision of EITE assistance for the previous Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) of 9,500 GWh where the REC price exceeds $40.
• Regulations will be made to establish a program to inspect a statistically significant sample of small generation unit installations for compliance with Australian standards and requirements relevant to the creation of certificates. Information regarding a system’s failure to comply will be transferred to State, Territory or Commonwealth bodies with responsibility for the enforcement and administration of those standards or requirements.

ORER’s role is to administer the Act. If you have any questions about RET Policy contact the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency on ret@climatechange.gov.au

ORER will have a limited scope in answering questions regarding implementation until the regulations are in place. We will ensure that you are clearly briefed on the required changes to your administrative processes as soon as possible.

Amendments to the regulations to strengthen SGU safety and compliance

Amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 require PV solar installations installed on or after 20 August 2010 and hydro and wind installations installed on or after 20 December 2010 to obtain additional compliance documentation before RECs are created. The regulations were made on 15 June and came into force on the 21 June 2010.

Visit - Media releases

Renewable Power Percentage (RPP) 2010 Set

The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 have been amended to include the Renewable Power Percentage (RPP) for 2010. The 2010 RPP has been set at 5.98% under Regulation 23.

For further information please see the ComLaw website.

The RPP is set to achieve the interim targets specified in the legislation which will achieve the Renewable Energy Target (RET) for 2010 of 12,500 GWh.

Public consultation for Enhanced Renewable Energy Target

The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE), Renewable Electricity Markets, Strategies and Coordination Division, is conducting a public consultation on the proposal to separate the existing Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme into two parts – the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET).

The consultation paper can be found at the DCCEE website.

Submissions close on 14 April 2010. Further information concerning deadlines or how to lodge your submissions can be obtained from the above webpage. To discuss the consultation paper you should contact DCCEE.

Partial exemption for emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activities

The regulations relating to partial exemption in respect of electricity used in conducting emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities were made on the 10 March 2010. Eligible entities can apply for Partial Exemption Certificates (PECs) in relation to electricity used in carrying out the EITE activities.

Visit: Partial exemption for emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities

Advice for liable parties: Reporting partial exemption certificates (PECs) in the AEAS or RESS

For the 2010 and future compliance years liable parties may report PECs received when submitting the AEAS and RESS.  The AEAS and RESS will include a new section containing fields regarding PECs.  In order to receive the partial exemptions set out on the PECs, liable parties must provide copies of relevant PECs with the AEAS and RESS.

Visit – Reporting partial exemption certificates in the AEAS or RESS

Call for submissions – Register of solar water heaters – Version 7

The closing time for lodgment of submissions is 5pm Eastern Standard Time 1 April 2010. 

Updating Version 7 of the Register of solar water heaters has now closed and is no longer available on the ORER website.

Update to the Register of solar water heaters - Version 6

Version 6 of the Register of solar water heaters came into effect from 3 March 2010. You will be able to view and download a copy of the eligible list of solar water heater models from the Register of solar water heaters.

Please email retscheme@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au to receive Version 31 of the Bulk Upload Workbook for Solar Water Heater for Registered Agents.

Changes to the Renewable Energy Target Scheme

On the 26 February 2010 the Government announced proposed amendments to the RET scheme effective from 1 January 2011 including:

• the RET scheme will include two parts - the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET).
• the SRES will provide a fixed price of $40 per REC.

Visit: Media Releases

As detailed in the media release, the Government will shortly release an industry consultation paper and intends to legislate the changes in the Winter Sittings of Parliament.

As ORER's role is to administer the Act ORER cannot provide further information regarding changes to administration of the RET until amendments to the legislation are passed by Parliament.

ORER will email significant updates to registered users of the REC Registry, including release of the industry consultation paper.

Continue to check the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website for updates.

Compliance nearing 100%

Compliance figures have been released showing nearly 100% compliance from liable parties in 2008.

Visit: Media releases