Peak Saving
Peak Demand Savings: Reducing Demand Using Efficiency method
The PDRS Rule sets out calculation methods for determining the number of peak reduction certificates that can be created from eligible activities.
The PDRS has 3 calculation methods for calculating peak demand reduction:
- Peak Demand Savings
- Peak Demand Shifting
- Peak Demand Response.
Each currently has 1 sub-method.
The Reducing Demand Using Efficiency (RDUE) sub-method of the Peak Demand Savings Method reduces demand during peak times by using energy more efficiently. For example, installing a more efficient air conditioner to reduce electricity use on hot days.
Eligible activities
The RDUE method has 5 activities. They correspond to eligible activities under the ESS:
- Home Energy Efficiency Retrofits (HEER) method
- Installation of High Efficiency Appliances for Business (IHEAB) method.
| End-User Equipment | PDRS Activity Definitionc | ESS Method and Activity Definition |
| Install or replace a residential air conditioner | HVAC1 | HEER D16 |
| Install or replace a commercial air conditioner | HVAC2 | IHEAB F4 |
| Replace a hot water boiler or water heater with a heat pump water heater | WH1a | IHEAB F16/HEER D17b |
| Replace a refrigerated cabinet | RF2 | IHEAB F1.2 |
| Install or replace a residential pool pump | SYS2c | HEER D5 |
a Activity Definition WH1 is suspended until further notice - see below.
b Under the PDRS Rule, PRCs cannot be generated from heat pump water heaters installed in a BCA Class 1 or 4 building. This means that implementations under the corresponding ESS Activity Definition D17 in these building types cannot be used to create PRCs.
c Activity Definitions RF1 (Remove a spare refrigerator or freezer) and SYS1 (Install or replace refrigeration and ventilation motors) that were included in previous versions of the PDRS Rule are no longer eligible activities from 1 August 2024. Installing a new pool pump under SYS2 is only an eligible activity from 1 August 2024.
Read below for more information about:
- evidence you need to support PRC creation using the RDUE method
- requirements on water heater equipment
- requirements for replacing refrigerated cabinets
- fact sheets you need to give your customers.
Evidence requirements
Evidence requirements for this method are similar to requirements for the corresponding ESS methods and activity definitions. They are set out in the PDRS Method Guide.
ACPs are not restricted in the type of evidence that can be used to support certificate creation. But the evidence must show you meet the equipment, eligibility and implementation requirements as set out in the PDRS Rule.
Water heater equipment requirements
Activity Definition WH1 (Replace a hot water boiler or water heater with a heat pump water heater) has been suspended until further notice.
An ACP cannot create Peak Reduction Certificates from WH1 implementations occurring after 19 December 2024. See our Quick Reference Guide - PDRS Rule Change December 2024 for details.
An ACP can create PRCs from implementations on or before 19 December 2024. However, they must meet all relevant requirements, including equipment requirements.
See our Accepted products list and Water heaters page for more information about water heater equipment requirements.
Refrigerated cabinet requirements
ACPs replacing refrigerated cabinets must ensure the new refrigerated cabinet is fit for purpose and the same class or type as the old one. See Notice 01/2024 for more details.
More information about the PDRS and calculation methods