Expansion of Energy Efficiency Opportunities to new developments and expansion projects
In its July 2011 Securing a Clean Energy Future package, the Australian Government announced it would extend the Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Program to include new developments and expansion projects.
Under the expansion, new developments and expansion projects which would meet an energy use threshold when operational will be required to assess the site from the initial design concept through to commercial operation.
New development and expansion projects industry trials
The Department has commenced trialling the application of the modified EEO assessment and reporting framework on several new development and expansion projects. Both theoretical and practical industry trials have begun in several sectors. The results of these trials will inform the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and identify what type of assessment and reporting framework, if introduced, would be most suitable for new developments. The RIS will be made public for comment in early May 2013.
For information on timing and application of the expansion, please feel free to contact:
Dayne Thompson – Project Manager, New Developments
Phone: 02 6243 7546
Email: dayne.thompson@ret.gov.au
Stakeholder submissions to the options paper
In January and February this year the Department met with a range of stakeholders to help inform a paper on options for expanding the EEO program to new developments. The options paper was released on 21 February 2012 and submissions closed 12 March 2012. Stakeholder forums were held in Sydney and Perth during this time. Sixteen submissions were received.
EEO new developments expansion stakeholder submissions
Revised implementation timeframe and further consultation with industry
The Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, has announced revised timing for the expansion of the EEO program to new developments and expansion projects to 1 July 2013. The media release is available here.
The revised timing is in response to industry feedback on the need for more time to consider the expansion. This will enable further consultation and trials with industry to better inform how the program should be applied.
The revised implementation process will include:
- Basic EEO regulation amendments in place by July 2012 to define new developments and expansion projects which will be required to be assessed from July 2013 (and to enable the participation of transmission and distribution businesses)
- Consultation with industry on draft regulations during 2012-13
- Trials with industry during 2012-13 to develop and assess the application of the assessment and reporting framework and develop guidance material
- Release of the Regulation Impact Statement and the main body of regulation amendments for stakeholder comment following trials and industry consultation
- New developments and expansion projects commence participation from 1 July 2013
The Department will soon release details on timing, industry consultation, proposed scope for the trials, and how expressions of interest to participate in trials will be sought from industry.
Initial EEO regulation amendments
The EEO Amendment Regulation 2012 has been made by the Federal Executive Council. These basic EEO regulation amendments define the participation of new developments and expansion projects from July 2013.
The regulation amendments also have changes regarding EEO alignment to recent changes to the Clean Energy Act, the expansion to electricity and gas transmission and distribution businesses, and participation of certain types of electricity generators.
For more information
For further information on the process to expand the EEO program to new developments and expansion projects, please contact:
Dayne Thompson
Project Manager
EEO New Developments Expansion
Phone: 02 6243 7546
Email: Dayne.Thompson@ret.gov.au