NSW Energy Savings Scheme

On 1 July 2009, the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) commences operation. Formerly known as the NSW Energy Efficiency Target (NEET), the new scheme will run in parallel to the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The existing NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS) covers demand side abatement, however GGAS will be phased out at the beginning of CPRS. The Energy Savings Scheme continues coverage of demand side abatement in parallel with CPRS.

On the 27th February 2009, Carmel Tebbutt issued a press release announcing the targets for the scheme. Other details are available on the scheme website.

The ESS bill was introduced on 13th May.

The ESS brings the total number of state-based and national schemes to eight (not including CPRS). These are:

• NSW Energy Efficiency Scheme
• NSW / ACT Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme(s), certificates are NGACs;
• NSW Renewable Energy Target (NRET), certificates are NRECs;
• QLD 13% Gas Scheme, certificates are GECs;
• Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET), certificates are VRECs;
• Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET), AKA Energy Saver Incentive, certificates are VEECs;
• Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), certificates are RECs; and
• GreenPower Scheme, certificates are GPRs.