From 1 January 2026, new legislation will reduce compliance obligations for entities operating battery energy storage systems (BESS). Under the amendments to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (the Act), electricity used for energy storage will no longer be considered a relevant acquisition.

We encourage you to review the following information to understand how the changes may impact you.

Key changes effective 1 January 2026

  • If you only report acquisitions for the purpose of energy storage you will no longer be required to submit an annual Energy Acquisition Statement (EAS) or surrender Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) and Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
  • If you acquire electricity for purposes other than energy storage, you must continue to lodge an EAS.
  • Entities acquiring electricity used specifically for the purpose of energy storage in 2026 are no longer required to report or surrender certificates for that portion.
  • Some acquisitions for battery energy storage may still attract liability under the amended legislation, so we would recommend contacting the RET Liability team at ret-liability@cer.gov.au if you are uncertain about how the legislation may impact your particular circumstances.

Transitional arrangements for 2025

  • If your only acquisitions in the 2025 assessment year were made for the purposes of energy storage, you will not be required to submit an EAS, surrender LGCs for the year, or STCs for quarter 4.
    • If you submit an EAS for the 2025 assessment year, without surrendering LGCs and Q4 STCs, a shortfall charge may be incurred.
  • If you acquire electricity in 2025 for purposes other than energy storage, you must continue to lodge an EAS and report all relevant acquisitions including any electricity acquired for the purpose of energy storage. 

Additional resources

These reforms arise from the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2024, with Part 4 scheduled to commence on 1 January 2026. The changes offer both immediate and long-term benefits for BESS operators and investors. 

To understand how these reforms may impact you, we recommend reviewing this Act and related legislation, available via the Federal Register of Legislation.