WA Residential Battery Scheme to require use of NETCC Approved Sellers

The NETCC Council welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the WA Government to require retailers to be New Energy Tech Approved Sellers to participate in the WA Residential Battery Scheme. ​​​​The inclusion of New Energy Tech Approved Sellers in this scheme will strengthen consumer protections, promote trust among WA consumers and ensure high-quality products are being installed in households by reputable businesses.

The WA Government has announced that rebates from the scheme (up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers) can be combined with federal rebates available through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, taking the total available rebates in the first year up to $5,000 (Synergy) and $7,500 (Horizon). In addition, no interest loans of up to $10,000 for WA households with a combined income of less than $210,000 per annum will be available. Over 100,000 WA residents are expected to benefit from the scheme. 

Retailers will need to:

• have a Western Australian address
• be an Approved Seller under the New Energy Technology Consumer Code (NETCC). Note: Retailers will be eligible from the date they apply to become an Approved Seller as long as they commit to adhering to the New Energy Tech Consumer Code from that date and achieving Approved Seller status. They will have three months from the date of application to become approved.
• pass appropriate due diligence checks to register with the WA Residential Battery Scheme
• ensure they are using installers that meet the installer criteria
• register with Synergy for installations for Synergy customers as specified in the Installation Handbook.

Retailers may also be required to undertake training to participate in the Scheme.

Approved Sellers need to be aware of their obligations when talking about battery rebates in marketing, quotes, sales and after-sale support.  Guidance issued here relating to the Cheaper Home Batteries program is also useful for the WA Residential Battery Scheme. We remind Approved Sellers to also provide the Installing battery storage and Using battery storage consumer guides when providing a contract.

Energy Policy WA and Consumer Protection are aware of information in ads, phone calls, and in person meetings that are not consistent with released information or best practices.  Action has already been taken against companies and individuals in violations of Australian Consumer Law. The WA Government has stated that companies, which have taken deposits and promised specific equipment, delivery times, prices or access to the rebate and are unable to fulfil these promises once details are confirmed may find themselves dealing with consumer protection. Companies which are not approved as Scheme participants would need to provide a full refund and release the customer from any contract.

Finally, Approved Sellers must ensure they update the Administrator if there have been any changes to business details since signing on or renewing their status as a Code Signatory. In particular, if you have expanded or reduced the states and territories in which your business operates, you must provide this information via email to [email protected] to ensure your business appears correctly when consumers search for Approved Sellers using the Find an Approved Seller tool.

More information about the scheme can be found here

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