IPART administers the creation of Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) and regulates Scheme Participants (typically energy retailers) in the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) to ensure scheme objectives are met.

Our role includes licensing businesses and individuals to become Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs). Only ACPs can create ESCs from energy savings gained from scheme activities. We also monitor ACPs’ compliance with the requirements of the scheme and take action where required.

The ESS and its objectives are based on policy settings and legislation developed and maintained by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). For more information their role in the scheme, refer to the DCCEEW’s role page.

For further information regarding IPART’s formal appointment as the Scheme Administrator and Scheme Regulator of the ESS, see the Scheme Administrator Order of Appointment, Scheme Regulator Order of Appointment and Terms of Appointment.

IPART’s responsibility is to:

  • administer the ESS efficiently and effectively by applying the Act, Regulation and Rules (see Legislation for the ESS)
  • engage with ESS stakeholders and help them understand how to comply with their obligations
  • contribute to the development of the ESS
  • set and report against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and 
  • report on the performance of the ESS  to the Minister each year (see Annual reports to the Minister).

As the Scheme Administrator, IPART:

  • assesses applications for accreditation to undertake eligible activities and to create certificates
  • assesses applications to be a Measurement & Verification Professional or auditor
  • monitors compliance of Accredited Certificate Providers
  • monitors the performance of Measurement & Verification Professionals
  • assesses products and accepts them for use in the scheme
  • manages online registry and portal systems.

As the Scheme Regulator, IPART:

  • monitors compliance of Scheme Participants with their obligations, including through independent audits.

Contact IPART to:

  • apply to become an ACP, Measurement & Verification Professional or auditor
  • apply to have a product included on the product register
  • get help understanding how to comply with your obligations
  • register certificates.

 

Who else is involved?

NSW Government

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for developing the policy behind the ESS and for the legislation, which is the legal framework of the scheme. See the Energy website for more information.

Contact DCCEEW to:

  • take part in statutory and major reviews
  • provide feedback on regulatory changes
  • get exemption orders for Scheme Participants
  • suggest changes to the Rule
  • participate in testing and trial of new methods
  • take part in activities that promote the uptake of the Safeguard
  • find general information about the ESS

Audit Services Panel

Auditors are an integral part of the schemes and perform some of the Scheme Administrator’s statutory functions under The Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014 (s55 and s56) to ensure the ongoing compliance of Scheme Participants and ACPs.

Companies may apply to IPART, as Scheme Administrator, to join the Audit Services Panel.  See the Join the audit panel page for more information.