NSW Government
NSW Climate and Energy Action

Energy Savings Scheme Rule changes

 

Updated Energy Savings Scheme Rule

The Energy Savings Scheme Rule has been updated on 29 August 2025, with changes commencing on 12 September 2025.

These changes include updates to:

  • commercial lighting
  • the sale of new appliances (SONA) method
  • commercial heat pump water heater requirements
  • the lifetime of air conditioner activities
  • unsolicited door-knocking.

We have made these changes to improve the Scheme’s effectiveness and preserve its integrity. These changes also support customers in making informed decisions and receiving high-quality upgrades.

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.

Making regular updates to the Energy Savings Scheme Rule and Regulation is needed to ensure their effectiveness in helping reduce NSW’s emissions and achieving net zero by 2050.

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 2024 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.

2025 Rule change (commencing 12 September 2025)
2023-24 Rule change (commenced 19 June 2024)
2022 Rule change (commenced 14 April 2023)
2021a Rule change (commenced 1 August 2022)
2020-21 Rule change (commenced 28 February 2022)
2019-20 Rule change (commenced 30 March 2020)
2017-18 Rule change (commenced 20 April 2018)
2016-17 Rule change (commenced 28 April 2017)
2015-16 Rule change (commenced 15 April 2016)
2013-14 Rule change (commenced 1 June 2014)