NSW Climate and Energy Action

Energy Security Safeguard

 

Share your feedback on the Energy Security Safeguard

Have your say on proposed changes to the Energy Savings Scheme and Peak Demand Reduction Scheme.

We are considering policy reforms and Rule changes to:

  • address issues and opportunities identified in the 2025 statutory reviews of the Energy Savings Scheme and Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
  • introduce new activities to the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
  • increase access to energy upgrades for a wider range of consumers
  • adapt to market changes, with new and emerging technologies.

Two consultations are now open for the proposed Rule changes and policy reforms, respectively. Submissions close on Friday 20 February 2026 at 5:00 pm (AEDT). 

Rule change consultation

Policy reform consultation

If you have questions about these consultations, please email us at [email protected] 

Please note that we will be closed for the holiday period from Thursday 25 December 2025. We will answer enquiries on our return from Monday 12 January 2026.

The Energy Security Safeguard (the Safeguard) helps ensure our energy system is more reliable, affordable and sustainable.

This is done by creating incentives to:

  • deliver cost-effective energy savings
  • reduce peak demand
  • increase the production of green hydrogen.

There are 3 schemes under the Safeguard:

Parent and child in kitchen with open fridge

The Energy Savings Scheme  supports energy saving activities for households and businesses across NSW. 

Person in takeaway shop reaches for drink in fridge

The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme  supports activities that reduce demand at peak times, including flexible demand response.

Hydrogen tank on red dirt

The Renewable Fuel Scheme encourages the production of green hydrogen. 

Together these schemes are supporting the transition to a renewable energy system in NSW and helping achieve NSW’s emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050. 

If you have any further questions about any of the Safeguard's schemes, contact us.

Opportunities