As we wrap up another busy year, we remain committed to keeping you fully informed of the latest developments across the VEUVictorian Energy Upgrades is a Victorian government energy efficiency program that gives every Victorian household and business the opportunity to receive rebates or discounts on energy saving products., CER, and IPARTIndependent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal ESSThe NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. The ESS was established in 2009. Financial incentives are in the form of tradeable certificates, called energy savings certificates (ESCs). Generally, householders and businesses who fund energy savings activities transfer the right to create ESCs to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the cost of the energy savings activity. The MWh savings from the project determines the number of ESCs that can be created. The ESS works by allowing ACPs to create and register ESCs for energy savings that are supported with appropriate evidence. ESCs are then purchased each year by mainly electricity retailers operating in NSW to meet their share of a legislated annual energy savings target. schemes.
As always, our priority is to support you in staying informed, compliant, and operating with best practice.
For assistance at any time, please contact our Compliance Team at
compliance@northmoregordon.com
In This Edition
- SAA Requirement – Maximum Daily Installations
- Recent Key VEU Updates
- C&I Solar PVSolar Photovoltaic Activity (47)
- ESS IPART Compliance Priorities 2025/26
- Updates with Clean Energy Regulator
- Reminder to Partners – Outstanding RFIs
- End-of-Year Shutdown & Holiday Schedule
1. Updates with Clean Energy RegulatorThe Clean Energy Regulator is the Australia Government body responsible for accelerating carbon abatement for Australia through the administration of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Renewable Energy Target and the Emissions Reduction Fund. More
MAJOR REMINDER !!!
SAA Requirement – Maximum Daily Installations
A reminder for all partners completing Solar PV and Battery installations:
Under SAA Requirements Version 1.7 – Accredited Installers may sign off on no more than two(2) installations per day, including combinations of:
- 2 x Solar PV systems
- 2 x Solar battery systems
- 1 x Solar PV + 1 x Solar Battery
** A solar PV and battery installation at the same property counts as two(2) separate installs.
For more information on SAA requirements and Clean Energy Regulator requirements, please visit their websites – https://saaustralia.com.au/saa-compliance/ or https://cer.gov.au/
1.1 Updated register of Eligible solar water heater
As of 10th of December 2025 – the CER has released Version 56 of the register of solar water heaters – a list of all eligible solar water heater and air source heat pump models eligible for Small-scale technology certificates (STCsSmall-scale Technology Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More).
2. Recent Key VEU Updates
From 1st January 2026 – New VEU Creation Fee Increase – from $2.33 to $4.35 per certificate
- Applies to all certificates created on or after 1 January 2026
25 November 2025 – Updates to Activity 47 (C&I Solar)
- Updated VEU Assignment Form template
- Bridge Select has also been updated, and NG is now ready to create VEECs for Activity 47.
31 October 2025 – PDRS Fee Changes
- IPART has verified an increase to the NSW PDRS PRC registration fee, from $0.0309 to $0.0315, effective 1 November 2025.
3. C&I Solar PV Activity (47)
Following the 25 November release, we have implemented several internal updates to support the rollout of Activity 47, including enhancements to Bridge Select, such as ability to upload up to 2GB video files, option settings on photo beta and so much more to be released in the months ahead.
We have successfully onboarded several key partners and installers and are now focused on ensuring a smooth and efficient delivery of this activity.
Partner Action Required
- Review and understand the C&I Solar PV Activity Guide and the declarations set out in the VEECVictorian Energy Efficiency Certificate Assignment Form prior to quoting or scheduling installations.
- Confirm project eligibility, including:
- Non-residential site classification
- CEC-approved product listings
- DNSP connection approvals
- Make sure that your internal documentation and processes (such as consumer quotes/tax invoices) to align with the VEU compliance requirements.
- Use the Tools and Calculators section on our Northmore Gordon website to assist with estimating VEECs, assessing system eligibility, and validating technical requirements.
- When verifying trades and appropriate licenses – please use the links below
Plumbing – VBA Search
Electrical – Energy Safe Victoria
** For Sales or Onboarding enquiries, please contact Madonna on m.ghajar@northmoregordon.com or Sid on s.bansal@northmoregordon.com
4. ESS IPART Compliance Priorities 2025–26
The regulator’s compliance focus for 2025–26 centres on three key risk areas:
- Consumer Protection – including new door-knocking restrictions and strengthened warranty requirements.
- Deceptive or Fraudulent Conduct – such as staged installations, falsified documents, or manipulated baselines.
- Emerging High-Risk Activities – particularly BESS2 battery installations and D16 high-efficiency air conditioners, where increased uptake raises compliance risk.
These priorities help direct regulatory resources toward maintaining the integrity of the schemes.
4.1 ESS and PDRS Rule Changes
Key Upcoming Dates
- 31 Jan 2026 – Final date for commercial lighting product acceptance
- 31 Mar 2026 – Final date for commercial lighting installations and certificate registration
- 30 Jun 2026 – Final date for gas implementations (boilers, space heaters, water heaters) under PIAM&VProject Impact Assessment with Measurement and Verification and MBM
- 30 Jun 2026 – Final date for HEERThe Home Energy Efficiency Retrofits (HEER) method may be used to calculate energy savings from a range of household and small business energy efficiency upgrades. In this method, the term ‘energy’ may refer to electricity, gas or both. [NSW] and IHEAB gas implementations and certificate creation
Further details are available on the IPART News and Updates page: https://www.energysustainabilityschemes.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media
5. Reminder to Partners – Outstanding RFIs
With just one week remaining before the Christmas shutdown, we kindly remind all partners to review and update any long-standing RFIs in Bridge Select.
We currently have a significant number of RFIs that have been sitting unresolved for several months and now require prompt attention.
Timely responses will help ensure smoother processing, minimise delays in certificate creation, and prevent backlog issues heading into the new year.
Please prioritise reviewing your RFIReason For Investigation list as soon as possible.
6. End-of-Year Shutdown & Holiday Schedule
As we close out another busy year, we would like to sincerely thank our partners for your continued support and collaboration throughout 2025.
On behalf of Management and staff at Northmore Gordon, we wish you and your teams a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2026.
Shutdown Period
Closing: Tue 23 Dec 2025 @ 5 pm
Reopening: Mon 5 Jan 2026 @ 9 am
Pre-Christmas Processing
- Final Certificate Creation: Wed 17 Dec 2025
- Final Billing Run: Thu 18 Dec 2025
- Final Payments: Fri 19 Dec 2025
Post-Christmas Resumption
- First Billing Run: Wed 7 Jan 2026
- First Payments: Thu 8 Jan 2026
Submit all pending documentation early to ensure timely processing.
For assistance, contact certificates@northmoregordon.com or call 03 9046 1914.
Kind regards,
Northmore Gordon Compliance Team
