The Federal Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has released the Compliance Update for 2025–26, outlining key compliance expectations, areas of enforcement focus, and recent regulatory actions across the national schemes it administers. The update reinforces the CER’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Australia’s carbon, energy, and renewable schemes.
Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme
The CER continues to review ACCU projects that have missed or are nearing reporting deadlines. Projects unable to provide a credible plan to return to compliance will be revoked. Between July and September 2025, 26 projects were voluntarily revoked, with a further 25 under assessment. No credits have been issued to these projects.
Project proponents must promptly notify the CER of any events affecting their operations, such as bushfires or floods. Failure to report or maintain compliance may result in civil penalties or relinquishment of credits. A new online notification form has been released to streamline reporting obligations – Notify the Regulator Form
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme and Safeguard Mechanism
Organisations must submit 2024–25 NGER reports by 31 October 2025, through the new Emissions and Energy Reporting System (EERS), accessed through Online Services. No extensions will be granted. The next major compliance milestone under the Safeguard Mechanism is 31 March 2026, when facilities exceeding their emissions baseline must surrender ACCUs or Safeguard Mechanism Credit Units (SMCs).
Failure to meet obligations may result in civil penalty proceedings, with enforceable undertakings accepted only in exceptional cases.
Renewable Energy Target (RET)
The CER permanently suspended an entity from creating renewable energy certificates under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, after determining the company was not a fit and proper person to participate in the scheme. This follows similar actions against affiliated companies.
Inspections have now expanded to include solar battery systems under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Of the 100 systems inspected, all were found safe; however, around half had minor labelling or installation issues. Installers repeatedly failing to meet standards risk loss of accreditation.
The CER has also confirmed 100% on-time compliance for second quarter Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) surrenders.
Enforcement and Audit Oversight
The CER continues to enforce Federal Court civil penalty orders against non-compliant parties. In one case, an individual found to have submitted false solar installation information has since been declared bankrupt after failing to pay penalties and legal costs.
The Regulator also monitors the performance of greenhouse and energy auditors. Following inspection outcomes, two auditors were issued with compliance letters regarding documentation and professional standards. One accepted an improvement plan, while another applied for deregistration. Auditors failing to meet required standards may face suspension or deregistration.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 compliance priorities reflect a continued focus on ensuring integrity and accountability across the ACCU, NGER, Safeguard Mechanism, and RET schemes.
Further information, including the full Compliance Update 2025–26, is available on the CER website.
