Consultation papers

Changes to National GreenPower Accreditation Program Rules

Two changes are currently underway to the Program Rules.

The first rule change is as a result of the Commonwealth Government's REC multiplier for small generation units (SGUs). The multiplier means that the RECs for these units no longer equate to new renewable energy generation.

Responses to the recent REC Multiplier Consultation paper were overwhelmingly in support of Option 2: Exclude SGUs from the GreenPower Program.

The responses in favour of Option 2 indicated that it was considered the simplest option providing our customers with clarity that RECs purchased would still represent MWhs purchased.

This means that any SGU that has received a REC multiplier will be excluded from the GreenPower program. It will not affect previously accredited SGUs.

Section 5.5 of the Program Rules has been updated accordingly. This rule change is now closed for feedback.

The second rule change is a provision to allow the Program Manager to waive any requirement of the Program Rules should they fail to encompass an unforseen event.

A waiver may only be granted where the following conditions are met:

1. The proponent must demonstrate that it is unable to comply with the Rule/s due to extraordinary circumstances; and
2. The overall objectives of the scheme must not be compromised.
3. The unanimous vote to approve the waiver by the NGPSG
Any waiver relating to Section 3: GreenPower Product Technical Criteria will be published in the Annual Compliance Audit.
This rule change (section 2.2.4) is open for comment for a four week period ending Friday 31 July 2009.

Comments can be made to The National GreenPower Steering Group until Friday 31 July 2009 via email on greenpower@dwe.nsw.gov.au entering "Rule Change" in the subject line.

  National GreenPower Accreditation Program Rules (305kb)

GreenPower Audit Reform Results

The National GreenPower Steering Group (NGPSG) undertook consultations with GreenPower Providers and Generators in August 2007 and September 2007 respectively that sought feedback on Audit Process Reform.

After consideration of the feedback, the NGPSG released a second round of consultation on Audit Process Reform in March 2008 that outlined a proposal to phase out GreenPower Rights (GPRs) by 2011.

Following both rounds of consultation the NGPSG is now proceeding with this important reform to the GreenPower audit process through the phase out GPRs over the next three years. This process is explained in the transitional arrangements below.

The removal of GPRs will have several advantages for the Program overall. These include:

1. The streamlining of the annual audit process;
2. A more cost-effective approach to the annual audit for Generators and Providers;
3. A more standardised approach to the accreditation of Generators;
4. The more timely release of the annual audit; and
5. Increased consumer confidence and stakeholder confidence in the GreenPower brand.

1 January 2009 – Stage one:

• GPRs are no longer required for any customer signed-up from 1 January 2009;
• All sales to customers signed-up from 1 January 2009 will require one REC to be surrendered for each MWh sold; and
• GPRs and RECs still required for customers signed-up before 1 January 2009.

1 January 2011 – Stage two:

• GPRs are no longer required or accepted in the Program;
• All sales to customers will require one REC to be surrendered for each MWh sold; and
• The audit will focus solely on RECs.

Should you have any questions regarding this matter please contact Gary Eisner on 02 8281 7314 or gary.eisner@dwe.nsw.gov.au

  Audit Reform Consultation Paper - March 2008 (44kb)