Ongoing accreditation requirements

To participate under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target, accredited power stations must meet ongoing compliance requirements under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (the Act) and the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 (the Regulations). This includes:

• operating in compliance with relevant Commonwealth, state, territory and local government laws
• submitting an annual electricity generation return
• maintaining appropriate records to ensure the accreditation remains current regardless of whether the Clean Energy Regulator has requested this evidence during accreditation assessment or not.

In addition, the improper creation of large-scale generation certificates is an offence under the Act.

Compliance monitoring

The Clean Energy Regulator has a proactive policy for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Act and Regulations. Ongoing compliance by accredited power stations is monitored by the Clean Energy Regulator, and supplemented by reporting requirements. This includes:

• standing notices completed at the time large-scale generation certificates are created
• assessment and on-going review of large-scale generation certificates validation claims incorporating third-party data sources and supporting data analytics
• direct engagement with power stations including site visits and inspections
• annual risk-based audit program
• the use of information gathering powers, and
• annual compliance statements, called electricity generation returns (EGRs).

If the Clean Energy Regulator identifies any alleged, potential or apparent breaches under the Act, any response or action taken will be in accordance with the agency’s compliance and enforcement approach. This may include suspending a power station for failing to meet ongoing accreditation requirements under the Act. A power station cannot create large-scale generation certificates for any period of suspension.

See our Compliance, Education and Enforcement Policy for more information.

Electricity generation returns

Section 20 of the Act requires all accredited power stations to submit an electricity generation return by close of business 14 February each year (or where this falls on a weekend, the following business day). Regulation 18 of the Regulations outlines the information required in the EGR.

EGRs are a critical measure to ensure ongoing compliance with the Renewable Energy Target. EGRs are used to confirm details of accredited power stations and ensure power stations are receiving the correct large-scale generation certificate entitlement.

A nominated person for a power station must submit an EGR covering the period from the date of accreditation to 31 December, and each full year they remain operating in the scheme. The nominated person as at 31 December is responsible for providing the EGR for the power station for the entire year, including any period previously under another nominated person.

Before commencing an EGR submission, power stations should ensure the following details are correct in the REC Registry:

• nominated person, other stakeholders and primary contact details for the power station
• capacity of the power station, including any components that may have been added or changed during the year
• fuel sources used to generate electricity, and
• monthly generation data is correctly entered and supporting documentation is uploaded (where required).

Learn more about submitting an electricity generation return through the REC Registry.

For instructions on completing your EGR, please review the Lodging your Electricity Generation Return page.