Have your say on proposed amendments to the NETCC

The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program has been in operation for over a year now. We are proposing some updates to simplify the Code and improve its administration. From Thursday 29 August until 5pm on Thursday 26 September, we sought feedback on the changes to understand if there could be any unforeseen impacts for retailers, the sector or customers.

The majority of respondents did not anticipate any challenges with the proposed changes. Some additional clarifications to the Code will be made in response to the feedback. Find out more below.

About the NETCC program

The NETCC program was designed by peak industry and consumer bodies to set minimum standards for the delivery of new energy technology products and services in Australia including rooftop solar, home batteries, EV chargers and more. The program aims to raise standards of consumer protection, strengthen consumer confidence and encourage innovation and choice for consumers. The Code currently covers a range of new energy technologies for small-scale customers (residential and small business) and includes products and support services the deliver solar, wind, hydro, microgrids, power systems and energy management products.

The program is governed by the NETCC Council, comprising representatives from peak energy industry and consumer bodies. The program is administered by the Clean Energy Council with compliance and enforcement of the Code overseen by the NETCC Monitoring and Compliance Panel.

Proposed amendments for ACCC re-authorisation

Amendments being proposed at this stage are based on queries raised by Signatories to the Administrator in the regular application of the Code’s requirements.

Feedback is being sought on potential impacts that could arise from these administrative changes, falling under the following eight themes:

• Overall commitments: Broadening the scope of existing advertising commitments to incorporate all claims and statements by providers.
• Clarifying information provided to customers: Providing clearer information in clauses that have been flagged as unclear or difficult to apply.
• Refund and contract termination: Create consistency across the Code regarding the way refunds and contract termination are explained.
• Documenting variations: Requiring suppliers to document variations prior to installation.
• Types of provision or supply: Clarifying that the terms ‘provider’ and ‘supplier’ refer to a broad range of services and products.
• Responsibility for costs: Providing more specific information about the requirements in relation to strata title buildings.
• Terms and conditions for Signatories: Providing additional information to improve clarity on Signatory eligibility and compliance.
• New and amended definitions: Providing further clarity on terms such as ‘performance’ and ‘supplier’.

As the Code has only been in operation for 18 months changes proposed at this time are aimed at making requirements clearer for retailers and consumers. There will be opportunity to provide broader feedback during the formal review due in 2026.

Download our Proposed amendments for ACCC re-authorisation to view full details of the proposed changes to the NETCC.

Consultation

Consultation was open from Thursday 29 August until 5pm AEST on Thursday 26 September.

We received 48 responses from the survey, all from retailers and suppliers. Respondents identified that they did not anticipate any challenges with the proposed changes in 96.5% of answers.

The feedback did identify some areas where greater clarification would be useful and so we are making some further refinements. We will also seek to update technical guidance provided on the NETCC portal to help with interpretation of requirements for specific technologies.

Find out more here

View the report