Monitoring an aggregated small energy user project involves collecting data on the consumption of electricity, natural gas or both at sites in the control and treatment group. The method includes a number of options for collecting this data, including using data that is already being collected for billing purposes. If you have chosen to use other variables under sub-method three, the method also includes requirements on how to monitor these variables. For more detail on how to monitor your project, see division four of part five of the method.
The Clean Energy Regulator recommends you draw up a plan for the monitoring, data collecting and record keeping because it must be in place from the start of the project. Should a project and associated audit show that data collection and record keeping has not been adequate in the reporting period, ACCUs may not be issued for some or all of that reporting period. If you are uncertain if your project will meet these requirements, seek advice from professionals in the field such as statisticians or auditors.
When developing your plan, make sure you have the right controls and processes around your data. For example, are you collecting your data efficiently and will you be able to maintain your data in the event of an emergency such as a fire?
The different types of records that must be kept for an aggregated small energy users project include date-stamped records of the choices made about options for calculating abatement, information about sites included in the project, and records relating to the disposal of equipment removed or replaced as part of the project. The complete list of records required, in addition to the record-keeping requirements that apply to all projects set out in the Act and legislative rules can be found in division three of part five of the method.
Notification
The aggregated small energy users method includes one notification requirement in addition to the general requirements that apply to all projects set out in the Act and subordinate legislation. You must notify the Clean Energy Regulator of a decision to change the activities undertaken as part of a treatment for a population in the project if the new activities are not covered by the description of the treatment included in the original project application or a previous notification. You must notify the Clean Energy Regulator of any decision to change the activities for a population in your project at least 30 days before starting the new activities.
For example, if when you registered your project, you described the treatment as sending leaflets and text messages to energy customers to encourage them to reduce their electricity consumption, you must not change the treatment to include installing energy efficient lighting at households in the treatment group without notifying the Clean Energy Regulator 30 days before commencing any lighting installations.