Contents

• Applying for exemption certificates
• Claiming exemption to reduce liability
• The need for independent advice

A 100 per cent exemption from Renewable Energy Target liability is applied to electricity used in carrying out eligible emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activities.

Companies that conduct an eligible EITE activity may be issued with an exemption certificate by the Clean Energy Regulator. The exemption certificate may then be traded with their liable entity company to obtain a reduction in their electricity costs for the year.

We encourage transparency between applicants and their liable entities. Please discuss the provision of exemption certificate information with your liable entity.

You can find a list of companies issued with exemption certificates and the total exemption by EITE activity that we publish each year at Emissions-intensive trade-exposed published information.

Applying for exemption certificates

From 2020 all EITE exemption is determined using the electricity use method.

Electricity use method

The amended regulations that include the electricity use method came into effect on 14 December 2017. The amendments include the electricity use method that is used to calculate exemption amounts, transitional arrangements, and technical amendments to support the ongoing efficient operation of the Renewable Energy Target.

Exemption is based on metered electricity used to undertake the EITE activity in the year. Information on how to apply this method available on the electricity use method page.

Each exemption certificate under the electricity use method describes how the exemption amount, in megawatt hours (MWh), will be determined by the agency. We will provide the exemption amount after the exemption year. The exemption is for all EITE activities at the site.

Production calculation method

The production calculation method cannot be used from 2020.

This method was available prior to 2020, and was the only method used prior to 2018.

Claiming exemption to reduce liability

Liable entities that supply electricity to EITE companies can use exemption certificates to reduce their liable electricity for the year under the Renewable Energy Target. If a liable entity’s exemption amount is greater than their relevant acquisitions for a particular year, the surplus can be carried forward and used to cover future year’s liability.

The transfer of an exemption certificate to a liable entity is a matter for negotiation between the EITE company and their liable entity. We have no role in this transaction.

The need for independent advice

We recommend that exemption certificate applicants read the underpinning Renewable Energy Target legislation, and if necessary, seek their own legal advice prior to making an application.

For further information contact the Industry Assistance Schemes team by emailing CER-IndustryAssistanceSchemes@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au or calling 1300 553 542.