The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) says high compliance rates during the first quarter of the year reinforce the integrity and effectiveness of Australia’s world-leading clean energy schemes.
The Quarterly Compliance Update January – March 2026 shows strong levels of compliance by scheme participants across the Safeguard Mechanism, Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, and Renewable Energy Target (RET).
CER Chair David Parker said high compliance across the schemes gives confidence that Australia’s emissions reduction framework is working as intended.
‘Business and project owners are largely doing the right thing when it comes to meeting their climate and energy obligations, with accurate, timely reporting helping to support Australia’s progress toward emissions reduction and building confidence to invest in Australia’s carbon markets.’
Once again, compliance with the Safeguard Mechanism was high. Of the 208 covered facilities, 205 (98.6%) were compliant with the requirement to not be in an excess emissions situation on the compliance deadline of 1 April 2026. Three facilities remained in excess emissions totalling 317,212 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, with one in liquidation and 2 in administration.
Reporting under the ACCU Scheme continues to improve, consistent with the CER’s compliance and enforcement priorities. Participants are reminded to ensure eligibility requirements are met and to use approved calculation tools to maintain robust, method-compliant modelling of their abatement results.
Mr Parker said that for the first time, no entity incurred a shortfall for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), as all 134 liable entities under the RET met their obligations for 2025, achieving 100% compliance by the final milestone.
‘This reflects the maturity of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and strong cooperation by participants in managing their liabilities ahead of deadlines.’
We’re strengthening controls for the installation of solar batteries, with new photo requirements introduced on 1 March, and we’ve written to retailers and installers reminding them of their contractual obligations ahead of rebate changes on 1 May.
Our batteries inspection program has identified a small number of installers who failed to meet minimum Australian standards, with compliance action commencing where necessary.
‘While the results in the update are encouraging, we don’t take high rates of compliance for granted. We will remain vigilant and continue to monitor Australia’s clean energy schemes closely,’ Mr Parker said.
Contact: media@cer.gov.au or 02 6159 3448