Energy Savings Scheme Rule changes

The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is NSW’s largest energy-efficiency program, established in 2009 under the NSW Electricity Supply Act 1995. The Energy Savings Scheme will run until 2050, in line with NSW’s net zero goals.

We need to make regular updates to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule and Regulation to ensure they are effective, to reduce NSW’s emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.

Current Energy Savings Scheme Rule

The current Energy Savings Scheme Rule was published and came into effect on 1 July 2026.

Before making the changes, we consulted industry for feedback. Our public consultation was open from 17 December 2025 to 20 February 2026.

Changes to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule affect:

• multi-split system and large air conditioner eligibility
• commercial heat pump water heaters
• the lifetime of liquid chilling packages
• air conditioner activity co-payments.

Energy Savings Scheme Rule (July 2026)

Position paper (July 2026)

Changes to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule

Information about changes to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule can be downloaded via the links in the table below. Information about changes made between 2009 and 2025 can be found on the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) website.

These documents are only a guide and are not intended for any official Energy Savings Scheme purposes.