Should I become an ACP?

Becoming an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP) is one way to participate in the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) or Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). It enables you to create certificates from energy savings or peak demand reductions. These come from eligible activities such as installing energy efficient air conditioners or water heaters. 

However, operating as an ACP may not suit every business. ACPs must meet operational requirements and legal obligations to participate and pay associated costs. The schemes provide a financial incentive through a certificate trading model. This means payments are not immediate, unlike a rebate model.

Before applying to be an ACP, there are many things you should consider.

What to consider before applying to be an ACP

  • Is it more convenient to work with an existing ACP instead of becoming one?

    Not all businesses have the capacity to manage an accreditation and/or meet the ESS or PDRS requirements. Particularly if becoming an ACP is for just a small-scale activity or project. 

  • What does it mean to operate as an ACP?

    There are costs of being an ACP (e.g. audit costs, set up processes and systems) and online systems you will need to access to manage your accreditation. ACPs must also meet other operational requirements, including record keeping, contractual arrangements and quality assurance. 

You must be willing to take these on as an ACP. 

  • Do you understand the legal requirements and obligations of ACPs?

  • Is the activity you wish to undertake a PDRS eligible activity or ESS eligible activity?

    You can only create certificates from energy savings or peak demand reductions that come from an eligible activity.

  • Do you understand the calculation method that best suits your activity? 

    You need to understand the calculation method and its associated requirements.

  • Is it worth applying to be an ACP under the ESS and PDRS at the same time?

    Some activities are eligible under the two schemes and you may create Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) and Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) from the same activity.

  • Consider what you will do with the ESCs or PRCs you create.

What to be mindful of after deciding to become an ACP 

Becoming an ACP takes time and involves an application process that you need to prepare for. Assessment of your application typically takes around four months.  If the Scheme Administrator approves your application, it may take some time until you start creating certificates. This will depend on your accreditation conditions and whether implementation of your activities meets the scheme requirements.

If you decide to apply to become an ACP, please be mindful that:

  • Participation as an ACP requires your business to meet administrative costs and obligations.

    You need to have systems and processes in place to manage the accreditation, your employees, and third party installers. 

  • Your record keeping, quality assurance and other business processes must be of a high standard. 

    We assess these as part of the application process. Assessments will continue while you are accredited in the form of independent audits.

We treat non-compliance seriously

Failing to comply can lead to financial and legal consequences for your business. See the Compliance Guide - ACPs for more information.

Next steps

Once you decide that becoming an ACP works for your business, it is time to start applying. To ensure a smooth application process, we recommend you take time and effort to:

More about ACPs