The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule (PDRS Rule) applies to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) and their peak demand reduction activities. It provides details about:
- nomination as the Capacity Holder
- recognised peak activities (RPAs)
- product acceptance requirements
- calculation methods for determining peak reduction capacity
- eligibility, equipment and implementation requirements
- conversion of peak reduction capacity to Peak Reduction Certificates.
ACPs must understand and comply with the PDRS Rule.
The latest PDRS Rule was published on 6 September 2024 and applies to all implementations on or after 13 September 2024.
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule of 2022 - 6 September 2024
Use our Quick Reference Guide - September 2024 to understand the changes in the latest Rule, and the changes that will apply later this year.
Changes for implementations from 1 November 2024
The following changes will apply where the Implementation Date is on or after 1 November 2024:
- two new battery activities will become eligible:
- installing a new battery energy storage system (BESS1)
- signing a residential battery up to a demand response contract (BESS2)
- the National Metering Identifier (NMI) will be required as part of implementation data
- the battery installer’s Solar Accreditation Australia accreditation number installers will be required as part of implementation data for BESS1 only
- the Scheme Administrator will also require, as part of implementation data, the licence type and number of each person who performs work that requires a licence
PDRS Rule change commences 13 September 2024
A new PDRS Rule was published on 6 September 2024 and commenced on 13 September 2024. Changes to the Rule include:
- multiple battery units are considered a single battery system and can be installed under BESS1 and signed up to a VPP contract under BESS2. The combined capacity of the system must be less than 28 kWh
- battery warranty requirements have been lowered for implementation dates between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2026
- clarifying the requirement to collect and provide National Metering Identifiers (NMIs) applies to all PDRS activities with an implementation date on or after 1 November 2024
- other minor editorial changes.
The start date of battery activities under the scheme continues to be 1 November 2024.
More information about battery activities is available on our About PDRS battery activities page.
See our PDRS Calculation methods page and PDRS Method Guide for more information.
Our PDRS Quick Reference Guide - September 2024 will help you understand and comply with the changes.
PDRS Rule change commencing 1 August 2024
The following changes apply to all implementations on or after 1 August 2024:
- excluding heat pump water heaters with a volumetric capacity less than or equal to 425L (WH1)
- introducing a capacity factor for heat pump water heaters (WH1)
- removing activities installing high efficiency motors (SYS1) and removing a spare fridge or freezer (RF1)
- clarifying replacement refrigerated display cabinets must replace an existing product of the same type (RF2)
- excluding refrigerated display cabinets with 4 or more display sides (RF2)
- reducing lifetimes from 12 to 8 years for Class 7, 8 and 11 refrigerated cabinets with more than 3.3m2 of display area (RF2)
- including installing a new pool pump as an eligible activity (SYS2)
- making changes to the pool pump activity including a lower minimum star rating, the equation to calculate peak demand savings capacity, adjustment factors and lifetime (SYS2).
Relevant documents
PDRS Quick Reference Guide - September 2024
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule of 2022 - 6 September 2024
PDRS Quick Reference Guide - May 2024
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule of 2022 - 24 May 2024
Previous versions of the PDRS Rule