NETCC Council Meeting - May 2025

This is a summary of the joint meeting of the NETCC Council and the NETCC Monitoring and Compliance Panel, which was held on 22 May 2025.

Communiques of each meeting are produced so that stakeholders can be informed about the Council's work and its implementation of the Code.

Program performance update

Key updates included:

• There were 1,738 signatories as of the meeting date, with notable growth in Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. This growth is attributed to state and local government incentive programs.
• The application rate is stable at approximately 10%, while the resignation rate remains around 20%. Businesses typically resign due to closures or withdrawal from the new energy tech market.
• Thirty new applications are currently in progress. The assessment team generally issues a first review within five business days and most applications are finalised within two weeks.

Compliance update

Key updates included:

• A total of 283 complaints were received and 264 resolved for the financial year to date.
• Audit activity is strong with 14% of Signatories covered under competency audits and 2% under robust audits. The program is on track to meet its 20% competency audits and 5% robust audit targets respectively by September 2025.
• Non-compliance remains an issue, particularly concerning contract requirements. Expulsions since the last meeting include Aus-Brite Solar, Aussie Hybrid Solar, Solarever, and United Solar Energy.

ACCC reauthorisation update

The Council reviewed progress on the ACCC reauthorisation process. Two rounds of feedback have been received from the ACCC, with a face-to-face meeting being arranged. In light of the timeline in which the current Code expires on 15 September 2025, an application for interim authorisation will be submitted to ensure continuity.

ACCC expansion of NETCC to include hot water heat pumps

An implementation roadmap for including hot water heat pumps under the Code was proposed. This will involve setting a formal start date and engaging with Master Plumbers to provide installation expertise. As most complaints relate to sales practices and consumer protections rather than technical issues, the current code provisions are largely applicable. A formal plan for coverage of this area will be circulated for Council consideration.

Other matters

The Administrator will present a formal proposal for a model sales and installation agreement to be made available to Signatories. A model agreement will help to reduce non-compliance issues with contract requirements.

The draft Strategic Direction document is to be completed, and Council members were invited to submit further comments.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the NETCC Council is to be held in August 2025 (TBC).