Under the Renewable Energy Target (RET), liable entities (usually electricity retailers) are required to buy and surrender a certain number of renewable energy certificates to comply with their statutory reporting and surrender obligations. Some industries and activities that are emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) may be eligible for an exemption.

The demand for renewable energy certificates gives them their value. This supports the growth of renewable energy in Australia while maintaining economic competitiveness for EITE industries.

Renewable energy
RET

Liable entities

Find out your legal obligations and fees if you make relevant acquisitions under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
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Renewable energy
RET

Emissions-intensive trade-exposed entities

Find out about Renewable Energy Target (RET) exemptions that may benefit eligible emissions-intensive trade-exposed entities.
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Exemptions certificate data

We publish a range of data on EITE activities. This includes details on exemption certificates we issue to companies to help reduce their liability for LGCs and STCs.

Find the latest data

Popular topics

Renewable energy
RET

Relevant acquisitions

Find out what electricity individuals and companies are liable for under the Renewable Energy Target.
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Renewable energy
RET

Certificate shortfall

Find out more about large-scale and small-scale renewable energy shortfall for liable entities.
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Renewable energy
RET

Reporting liability

What individuals or companies need to report when buying and generating electricity.
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Renewable energy
RET

Exemption certificates

Find out how electricity used for EITE activities may be eligible for exemption under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
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Renewable energy
RET

Certificate surrender

How to surrender certificates and vary or set the surrender amount.
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How liabilities and exemptions work

Liable entities under the RET are acquirers of wholesale and notional wholesale electricity. They can include electricity retailers, wholesale electricity buyers and large-scale electricity users.

To meet their obligations under the RET, liable entities must:

  • lodge an energy acquisition statement on or before the 14 February each year
  • acquire a sufficient number of LGCs and STCs, proportional to the electricity they supply or use each year
  • surrender these certificates by a specified deadline each year
  • pay any applicable shortfall charges by the invoice due date.
     

The renewable power percentage and small-scale technology percentage is used to determine the amount of LGCs and STCS liable entities must surrender each year.

Entities engaged in emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activities may be eligible for exemptions under the RET. These are entities that release large amounts of greenhouse gases but face significant national or international trade competition. If eligible, EITE entities can apply for an exemption certificate. Exemption certificates can be offered to their liable entity in exchange for a discount to their electricity supply charges. Exemptions are designed to recognise the competitive disadvantages these sectors might face due to the high cost of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Key dates

Be aware of key dates to ensure your ongoing compliance.

Reporting

Energy acquisition statement due on or before: 14 February

Renewable power percentage and small-scale technology percentage released by: 30 March

Surrender periods

Large-scale generation certificates: 1 January to 14 February

Small-scale technology certificates: quarterly surrender periods

Q1: 15 February to 28 April 

Q2: 29 April to 28 July

Q3: 29 July to 28 October

Q4: 29 October to 14 February
 

Surrender amounts

Estimated required surrender amounts for Q1 to Q3: April 15

Last date to apply to vary surrender amounts for Q1 to Q3: 30 September

Last date to apply set surrender amounts for Q1 to Q3 under section 38AG: 31 December

EITE entities

Apply for an exemption certificate: 1 August to 30 March

Submit metering data for certifiable amount: by 15 January

Apply to change liable entities by: 31 December

The REC Registry

The REC Registry is a secure online system for transactions under the target. It's where liable entities lodge their energy acquisition statement and where certificates are created, registered, sold, traded and surrendered.

Go to the REC Registry
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