The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is governed by NSW legislation. It places a mandatory obligation on Scheme Participants to obtain and surrender energy savings certificates, which represent energy savings. The policy framework is the responsibility of the Office of Energy and Climate Change. More information is available on the Energy website.

What is IPART's role?

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is the:

  • Scheme Administrator, and
  • Scheme Regulator.

IPART’s responsibility is to:

  • administer the ESS by applying the Act, Regulation and Rules (see ESS Legislation)
  • help Accredited Certificate Providers (ACP) understand how to comply with their obligations and monitor their compliance
  • report on the performance of the ESS and its participants to the Minister each year (see Annual reports to the Minister).

As the Scheme Administrator, IPART:

  • assesses applications for accreditation to undertake eligible activities and to create certificates
  • assesses applications to be a Measurement & Verification Professional or auditor
  • monitors compliance of Accredited Certificate Providers
  • monitors the performance of Measurement & Verification Professionals
  • assesses emerging lighting technologies and accepts them for use in the scheme
  • manages online registry and portal systems.

As the Scheme Regulator, IPART:

  • monitors compliance of Scheme Participants with their obligations, including through independent audits.

Contact IPART to:

  • apply to become an ACP, Measurement & Verification Professional or auditor
  • apply to have a product included on the product register
  • get help understanding how to comply with your obligations

register certificates.

Who else is involved?

NSW Government

The Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC) is responsible for developing the policy behind the ESS and for the legislation, which is the legal framework of the scheme. See the Energy website for more information.

Contact OECC to:

  • take part in statutory and major reviews
  • provide feedback on regulatory changes
  • get exemption orders for Scheme Participants
  • suggest changes to the Rule
  • participate in testing and trial of new methods
  • take part in activities that promote the uptake of the Safeguard
  • find general information about the ESS

Audit Services Panel

Auditors are an integral part of the schemes and perform some of the Scheme Administrator’s statutory functions under The Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014 (s55 and s56) to ensure the ongoing compliance of Scheme Participants and Accredited Certificate Providers.

Companies may apply to IPART, as Scheme Administrator, to join the Audit Services Panel.  See the Join the audit panel page for more information.