The 2023 Quarter 1 small-scale technology certificates (STCs) surrender deadline for liable entities is 28 April 2023. Login to your REC Registry account to check that you have the required amount of STCs to meet your obligations.

The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) does not have any discretion to extend the surrender deadline. Failure to surrender the required number of STCs by the deadline will result in a shortfall charge of $65 per certificate not surrendered.

Buying from the STC Clearing House

Check that your REC Registry account details, user permissions and GST details are correct.

  1. Your account must include Clearing House access with the correct GST registration details to purchase certificates. Account users must have the 'Buy from STC Clearing House' permission enabled.

    The REC Registry Guideline explains how to upgrade your existing REC Registry account to include STC Clearing House access.

  2. Ensure payment is made to the correct account so there is no delay to the release of certificates into your account.

    Make sure you use the correct bank details as specified on the Clearing House purchase invoice. The Clearing House bank details are different to other transactions you may have undertaken with the CER.

    Payment can only be made through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Use the real-time transfer option provided by your bank, otherwise funds can take up to 5 business days to clear.

  3. Make your purchase as soon as possible. If your buy order and payment does not clear by the deadline to meet your surrender obligation you will receive a shortfall charge. The CER does not have any discretion to extend the surrender deadline or vary the shortfall charge amount.

Need to decrease the amount of STCs you are required to surrender?

You can apply to decrease the amount of STCs you are required to surrender for Quarters 1-3 if you expect to acquire significantly less electricity in 2023 compared to 2022. Submit an Application to vary under s38AF of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (REE Act).

Supporting data and calculations that are used to calculate your new proposed amount should be submitted with your application.

This process should not be used to delay surrender compliance. Please ensure you understand the potential risks outlined in the application form associated with recalculating the required surrender amount.

Steps to complete your surrender

You can surrender your STCs by logging into your REC Registry account and following these steps:

  1. Select 'Surrender' from the left side panel
  2. Select 'Liability surrender' from the drop-down menu
  3. Click the applicable assessment year (2023)
  4. Click the 'STC surrender' icon
  5. Enter the number of certificates you need to surrender.

For more guidance visit Forms and resources for liable entities.

Please contact us if you require support.