Our Compliance Update keeps you informed of activities related to our Compliance and Enforcement Priorities and other important information to help you comply with our schemes.
Search warrants executed in Perth
Following an extensive investigation, the Clean Energy Regulator (the agency) has executed search warrants on 4 Perth addresses connected to a company responsible for solar panel retail and installation. The group of companies is under investigation for allegedly providing false information about the responsible installer of almost 500 solar panel installations, representing approximately $1.5 million in small-scale technology certificates (STCs). The warrants were executed in conjunction with the AFP and the relevant electrical safety regulator.
For more information review our media release.
Criminal charges against solar installer
A former Clean Energy Council accredited solar PV installer has been summoned to appear in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court in October 2022 to answer 11 charges of providing false information. It is alleged that the installer fabricated compliance documentations and claimed STCs for 11 installations which had never occurred.
The agency has an intelligence lead, risk-based approach to compliance and actively monitors documentation provided to the agency for the purposes of creating STCs. Providing false or misleading information to the agency can result in criminal charges.
Find more information on this compliance approach.
Enforceable undertakings
Aman Singh Dhakla and Remec International Pty Ltd (Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme)
On 5 August 2022, the agency accepted an enforceable undertaking from Mr Aman Singh Dhakla and Remec International Pty Ltd (trading as Remec Power). The EU requires them to arrange for a CEC accredited installer approved by the agency to inspect and rectify any issues with 15 solar installations. Mr Dhakla, through Remec Power had provided false information that Mr Dhakla was either the accredited installer or had supervised the installations.
Trina Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd (Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme)
On 12 July 2022, the agency agreed to vary the enforceable undertaking with Trina Solar to extend until 1 November 2022, the period that Trina has to complete the first stage of the compliance testing program. The first stage is the replacement of panels and delivery of certain existing panels to the testing facility. Testing of the panels already provided to the testing facility will commence early October.
See all enforceable undertakings.
Reporting requirements for regeneration projects
Project participants with regeneration projects are required under section 70(3A) of the CFI Rule to demonstrate progress towards, or attainment of, forest cover at certain time intervals. Many project participants will be required to provide this information during 2022-23. The agency continues to work with project participants so that they understand their requirements and meet the agency's expectations. Participants that provide the required information will benefit from their crediting applications being processed more quickly.
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting - due soon
NGER reports for the 2021-22 reporting period are due for submission by 31 October 2022. Webinars to support reporters submitting on-time, accurate and complete NGER reports are available. The agency is currently monitoring 2 enforceable undertakings for reporters who had a history of non-compliance, and will actively consider this type of compliance measure with any reporter with a similar compliance history to correct the behaviour.
If you have information on potential fraudulent or non-compliant behaviour, report it today.