An emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) entity is a company that carries out EITE activities at one or more sites. Entities that conduct eligible EITE activities can apply for exemption certificates under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

An exemption certificate is a letter confirming your eligibility. It includes the use amount formula that calculates the certifiable amount in megawatt hours (MWh). This certifiable amount is the benefit you get after applying for an exemption certificate.

Each year we publish details on exemption certificates issued and used.

Exemption certificate benefits

With exemption certificates you can negotiate benefits (such as lower electricity costs) with your liable entity.

A liable entity (such as an electricity retailer) can use certificates to reduce:

Once the exemption certificate is approved, the EITE entity must submit metering data monthly or at the end of the calendar year. We use the submitted metering data to calculate your certifiable amount.

Eligibility for exemption certificates

You’re eligible to apply for an exemption certificate if you or your company:

  • makes products from an eligible EITE activity or activities on one or more sites
  • is the first prescribed person to apply in the calendar year.

To get exemption certificates you need to:

  • apply each year you carry out the activity
  • submit monthly data for your certifiable amount at the end of the calendar year.

How to receive your exemption certificates

We issue exemption certificates to an applicant through their Client Portal account.

The EITE entity can grant permission for the liable entity to:

  • be sent the exemption certificate
  • be sent the notice of certifiable amount
  • access the exemption determination tool.

If the EITE entity grants permission, we can issue exemption certificate directly to the liable entity that supplies power to the site. If permission has been withheld, we will issue the certificate to the EITE entity to pass on.

What you can claim

You can claim electricity used to make relevant products within your activity boundary. The electricity must be a relevant acquisition and in line with the activity specified in the Regulations.

This is electricity you:

  • consume at the customer billing meter (national meter identifier) or internal meters
  • purchase directly from a generator owned by a third party.

What you can’t claim

You can’t claim electricity for:

  • other non-eligible activities that occur at the site
  • an on-site generator that you own and use
  • electricity used outside the EITE activity boundary.

This includes any power losses that occur during the distribution of electricity.

Prescribed person categories

These categories define who can apply for an EITE exemption on behalf of a site.

Person with electricity contract

The person who owns or runs the site and is on the electricity contract. The electricity retailer also on the contract supplies electricity directly to the site.

Person with a new electricity contract

The person who owns or will run the site and is on a new electricity contract. The electricity retailer also on the contract supplies electricity directly to the site.

Liable entity with operational control

An electricity retailer who has control over the site. Within 6 months before a person makes an application you were liable for either:

  • over 30% of the electricity used at the site
  • most of the electricity used at the site that is a relevant acquisition.

Liable entity for future activity

An electricity retailer that will be the first to have operational control of the site. The above operational control conditions also apply.

Nominated person

Someone that the site owner or operator gives consent to apply for exemption. You must provide supporting documents during the application.

Relevant legislation: regulations 22G–22K of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001.