The Clean Energy Regulator has this week executed a search warrant on the home of a Perth-based business involved in solar panel retail and installation.
The search warrant, executed with the Australian Federal Police, aims to uncover evidence of fraudulent activity. The investigation concerns the alleged falsification of documents required under Western Australian electrical licensing laws. The false documents were then used to gain a benefit under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
Investigators suspect that, since 2018, false documents were relied upon in relation to over 640 solar panel installations in Western Australia. The benefit derived from the use of the falsified documents has resulted in the potential wrongful creation of approximately $2.5 million in Commonwealth small-scale technology certificates (STCs)*.
While the installer of the solar panel systems is a licenced electrician and accredited under the rules administered by the Clean Energy Council, it is alleged that neither the installer nor the business had the necessary electrical contractor’s licence under state laws in Western Australia. In order to qualify for the Commonwealth STC subsidy, all state/territory laws must be complied with.
There is no suspicion or allegations at this stage that the systems are unsafe or not operating as they should.
When the investigation concludes, the Clean Energy Regulator will consider referring a brief of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. If criminal charges are laid, a person could be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years for fraud related offences.
Two Perth men are assisting with the investigation.
Solar installers are reminded they must comply with all state/territory laws, and additional SRES requirements, for STCs to be claimed. Further information on obligations can be found on the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme webpage or contact the Clean Energy Regulator on 1300 553 542 or email enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au.
QUOTE: Clean Energy Regulator Executive General Manager, Mark Williamson
“The Clean Energy Regulator is proactively monitoring compliance with the Acts and Regulations it administers, including whether or not states/territories say there has been compliance with their laws. We will not tolerate falsification of documents to gain a benefit.
“We expect our continuing investigations in the industry to lead to further civil and criminal action being taken against those attempting to undermine consumers and/or defraud the Commonwealth.
“It’s through our persistent compliance monitoring and rigid enforcement of scheme rules that the Clean Energy Regulator helps provide market confidence and Australia to meet its emission reduction obligations.”
Contact: CER Media
*Tradable small-scale technology certificates (STCs) are created under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme when eligible solar energy systems are installed by accredited installers. STCs can be sold with the benefit passed on to customers, reducing the cost of installing solar panels and solar hot water systems. STCs are generally sold in the open market to electricity retailers at a price in the $37 to less than $40 range.