PDRS application process

The PDRS application process involves 6 key steps from application preparation through to getting a decision. The following information sets out the steps and the time taken to assess a typical application.

Step	Description
1. Prepare your application	Complete the relevant application form/s and prepare the required documents. You may need to update or develop and describe your business systems and processes for your proposed peak demand reduction activity in your application. Our Preparing your PDRS application page provides guidance on how to prepare and complete your application.
2. Register account in TESSA and upload application	If you don’t already have an account in our online system, TESSA, you should register for one (see our Registering an account page for more information). Once you have an account: Click on Application for Accreditation on your TESSA dashboard. Enter basic information about your business and choose the method/s you want in your accreditation. Indicate whether you are willing to sign an undertaking to withhold or set aside a percentage of registered PRCs from sale or trade until their validity has been confirmed through an audit (see our Fact sheet – Undertakings). Upload and submit your completed application form/s and supporting documents (see our Submitting your application in TESSA page for more details).
3. Application check	We will check you have completed all sections of the application form/s and included all required documents. If your application is incomplete, we will ask you to provide any missing information before we proceed. Your application is considered complete once you have provided this information.
4. Pay application fee	When your application is complete, we will request payment of the application fee through TESSA. In some cases, the application fee is not required. When we receive payment (if required), we can begin assessing your application.
5. Assessment	We assess your application in accordance with PDRS requirements. We may request additional information if needed. We typically issue no more than 2 requests for information during the assessment.
6. We notify you of our decision	The Scheme Administrator will use the information you provide to decide whether to approve or refuse your application. You will receive the decision in writing. If successful, you will receive an Accreditation Notice setting out your audit obligations and other accreditation conditions. If you aren’t happy with the decision, you can request an internal review of the decision.

How long will it take to process your application?

Assessing an application from a new applicant typically takes around 4 months from when the application fee is paid.

The time it takes to become accredited depends on the quality of your application and your business systems and processes, and whether you are already an ACP. It takes longer for new businesses as you will need to develop or enhance your business systems and documentation to meet the PDRS requirements. Sometimes becoming accredited can take longer than 4 months.