What does PIAM&V stand for?
PIAM&V stands for Project Impact Assessment with Measurement and Verification. It is a specific energy-savings project pathway available under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS). PIAM&V is a project-based calculation method that compares modelled pre-project consumption with modelled or measured post-commissioning consumption, requiring an approved independent M&V professional to deem the project appropriate and verify that baseline measurement procedures are suitable before implementation.
When should the PIAM&V method be chosen in a project development timeline?
The calculation method should be chosen before building the evidence file. This ensures the project boundary and modelling approach are established early, while meaningful baseline data can still be obtained. Delaying this decision can make it difficult or impossible to gather the necessary evidence needed for the chosen method, particularly if the project has already commenced or baseline conditions have changed substantially.
What is the role of an M&V professional in PIAM&V projects?
An approved independent Measurement and Verification professional must deem the PIAM&V project appropriate and determine that baseline measurement procedures are suitable. The professional must provide written explanatory reasoning for their assessment before the implementation date. This professional review is mandatory under NSW Energy Savings Scheme Clause 7A.5A and ensures the project methodology and baseline are defensible for certificate creation and scheme audit purposes.
Are there restrictions on which gas-fired equipment can create certificates under PIAM&V?
Yes. Listed new or replacement gas-fired steam boilers, water heaters, hot-water boilers and space heaters implemented on or after 1 July 2026 cannot create Energy Savings Certificates under PIAM&V. This restriction is specific to those activities and the PIAM&V method; it does not apply to every gas-saving measure in every scheme or method. The exact implementation date of equipment is therefore critical to eligibility assessment.
What key questions should be answered before starting a PIAM&V project assessment?
Establish: what equipment and energy-saving activity are proposed; the exact implementation date and why it is correct under the method; who the energy saver is and how nomination will be documented; which baseline and operating variables are necessary; what equipment, installation and commissioning evidence is required; and which professional review and scheme audit steps apply. These answers should be recorded in one project file using PIAM&V-specific record-keeping guidance rather than a generic checklist.
What should a preliminary estimate for PIAM&V show?
A preliminary estimate should include the activity, applicable ESS rule version, energy calculation methodology, certificate assumptions, commercial price date and any outstanding conditions. It should be clearly labelled as preliminary until assumptions and evidence are verified. Importantly, engineering savings, scheme-recognised savings, created certificates and customer proceeds should be kept as separate quantities to avoid misleading stakeholder expectations about actual financial returns.
How does PIAM&V differ from a prescribed calculation method?
PIAM&V is a project-based approach tailored to a specific project's circumstances, comparing modelled pre-project consumption with measured or modelled post-project consumption. A prescribed calculation method is a standardised approach with defined equipment requirements and fixed calculation procedures. Projects must choose which pathway suits their situation; the choice affects evidence gathering, professional review requirements and timing considerations before implementation begins.
Can Northmore Gordon assist with PIAM&V project development?
We offer measurement and verification services including project-boundary selection, baseline modelling, savings calculation and reporting. The company can help establish the measurement brief, define operating variables, and support the baseline assessment and implementation record. However, an independent M&V professional meeting IPART's accreditation requirements must formally approve the baseline procedures and deem the project appropriate for the NSW Energy Savings Scheme.
What are the consequences of not choosing PIAM&V early in project development?
Delaying the method choice until after project commitments are made can result in lost evidence, inability to establish representative baseline data, and loss of funding or certificate options. NSW scheme rules require baseline measurement procedures to be deemed appropriate before implementation. If work has already begun, the adviser must assess whether the intended pathway is still available using the actual chronology and existing evidence, which may be incomplete or unusable for the preferred method.
