The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) announced earlier today, the 2018 small-scale technology percentage (STP) as 17.08%. This means that liable entities (mainly electricity retailers) are required to surrender to the CER approximately 29.3 million STCs to meet their small scale renewable energy scheme obligations for 2018. This figure is derived by adding 7.2 million STCs to the estimated 22.1 million supply of STCs in 2018 (see below for how this is determined). The 7.2 million STC adjustment is the difference between previous years’ STC creations and the actual number of STCs surrendered in those years.
Last year the STP was 7.01%, therefore this year is an increase of 10.07%. The uplift was anticipated by the market due to information previously released by the CER regarding a surplus of certificates.
Surrendering certificates is a legal requirement for liable entities in accordance with the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, and works to increase the portion of renewable energy generated and supplied to the Australian electricity market.
If you would like to know more about STCs or the impact this announcement has on your electricity portfolio, please contact Edge on (07) 3905 9220 or 1800 334 336.