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Welcome to our June 2026 Compliance Update.

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Dear Valued Partners, 

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we would like to thank our partners for their continued commitment to delivering compliant, high-quality installations across the various schemes we participate in. 

This month’s update highlights several important industry developments, recent program updates, emerging battery incentive opportunities, and key compliance reminders as we approach the end of the financial year. 

Partner update – Heat pump manufacturer insolvencies

Partners should be aware that Smart Lifestyle Australia entered voluntary administration in March 2026, followed by Smart Power Tech Pty Ltd entering liquidation in April 2026. 

These developments serve as an important reminder to undertake appropriate due diligence regarding manufacturer and supplier support arrangements, particularly where long-term warranty obligations and ongoing product servicing are involved. 

We encourage partners to regularly review: 

Ensuring products can be adequately supported throughout their warranty period remains critical to delivering positive consumer outcomes and reducing future compliance, warranty and reputational risks. 

Where partners have installed products supplied by affected manufacturers, we recommend proactively reviewing warranty and support arrangements and communicating with customers where appropriate. 

VEUVictorian Energy Upgrades is a Victorian government energy efficiency program that gives every Victorian household and business the opportunity to receive rebates or discounts on energy saving products. Program update

The Essential Services Commission has recently updated several Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Activity Guides, including Activities 1, 3, 6 and 47. 

Partners should review the latest guides and ensure installation, evidence collection and submission processes align with current program requirements. Updating internal procedures where necessary will help maintain compliance and minimise validation delays. 

The current Activity Guides can be accessed via the links below: 

Industry observation – Continued regulatory focus

Recent industry discussions and regulator activity continue to highlight an increased focus on: 

Particular attention continues to be placed on ensuring systems are appropriately sized for the premises and that consumers receive suitable information regarding system operation, performance and warranty obligations. 

Strong quality assurance and documentation processes remain critical to reducing compliance risks and supporting successful validation and audit outcomes. 

CER update – Cheaper home batteries program

The Clean Energy RegulatorThe Clean Energy Regulator is the Australia Government body responsible for accelerating carbon abatement for Australia through the administration of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Renewable Energy Target and the Emissions Reduction Fund. More has released further information regarding the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program. 

Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRESSmall-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme), eligible solar battery systems may generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCsSmall-scale Technology Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More), helping reduce the upfront cost of battery installations for households and small businesses. 

Partners involved in solar and battery installations should familiarise themselves with the program requirements and ensure systems meet all eligibility criteria before promoting available incentives to customers. 

Further updates are expected as the program continues to develop. 

ESSThe NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses. The ESS was established in 2009. Financial incentives are in the form of tradeable certificates, called energy savings certificates (ESCs). Generally, householders and businesses who fund energy savings activities transfer the right to create ESCs to Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) in return for a discount on the cost of the energy savings activity.  The MWh savings from the project determines the number of ESCs that can be created. The ESS works by allowing ACPs to create and register ESCs for energy savings that are supported with appropriate evidence. ESCs are then purchased each year by mainly electricity retailers operating in NSW to meet their share of a legislated annual energy savings target. (NSW) update

Partners are reminded to carefully assess activity eligibility before commencing works under the Energy SavingsElectricity or gas savings or both. Scheme (ESS). 

Recent regulatory focus continues to centre on scheme integrity, consumer protections and compliance with activity requirements. 

Of particular note, from 1 July 2026, installations or replacements involving gas-fired boilers, gas-boosted water heaters and gas space heaters will no longer be eligible under the ESS. 

Where there is any uncertainty regarding project eligibility, we encourage partners to seek clarification prior to installation to minimise compliance risks and avoid certificate creation issues. 

NSW cCERT & Bridge select update

Bridge Select has advised that it is actively working towards integration with the upcoming NSW eCert platform being introduced by Building Commission NSW. 

At this stage, no action is required from users. Bridge Select is working with relevant stakeholders to support a smooth transition and minimise disruption to existing compliance and certificate creation workflows. 

Current planning is for NSW eCert support within Bridge Select from mid-July 2026, subject to integration access, technical documentation and onboarding requirements being made available by the relevant authorities. 

Partners operating within NSW schemes should continue business as usual and monitor future communications for further guidance as the NSW eCert implementation progresses. 

End of financial year compliance review

As we approach the end of the financial year, now is an ideal time for partners to review internal compliance processes and documentation practices. 

We recommend reviewing: 

Regular internal reviews can significantly reduce compliance risks and assist with smoother validation and audit outcomes. 

Consumer complaints – Important reminder

Partners are reminded that all consumer complaints must be treated seriously and responded to in a timely and professional manner. 

Consumer complaints, whether related to product performance, installation quality, workmanship, warranty matters or customer service, should be investigated promptly and appropriate actions taken to resolve concerns wherever possible. 

Failure to adequately address consumer complaints may result in increased regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and could jeopardise ongoing participation and engagement under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program as an Accredited Persons. 

We encourage all partners to maintain effective complaint handling processes, keep appropriate records of communications and resolutions, and escalate unresolved matters where necessary. 

Strong consumer outcomes remain a key focus for regulators and are an important component of maintaining compliance across all activities. 

Compliance tip of the month

Evidence Quality Matters 

One of the most common causes of certificate processing delays remains incomplete or poor-quality installation evidence. 

Before submission, ensure all required photographs: 

Taking a few extra moments during installation can prevent lengthy requests for additional information and avoid unnecessary delays during validation. 

Closing remarks

At Northmore Gordon, we remain committed to supporting our partners through ongoing regulatory and market changes while maintaining strong compliance, consumer protection and program integrity outcomes across all schemes we participate in. 

As compliance expectations continue to evolve, maintaining strong operational controls, documentation standards and quality assurance processes will remain critical to supporting long-term program participation and reducing compliance risk. 

For further information or compliance enquiries, please contact the Compliance Team on compliance@northmoregordon.com 

Kind regards, 

Northmore Gordon Compliance Team 

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