Consultation on a national Energy Savings Initiative

Issues Paper submissions 

The National Energy Savings Initiative Working Group released an Issues Paper for public comment in December 2011. This Issues Paper was developed with the assistance of the National Energy Savings Initiative Advisory Group; and many other stakeholders who attended workshops in Adelaide and Melbourne in November 2011. The paper sought the views of individuals and organisations on issues that relate to the design and implementation of a potential national Energy Savings Initiative.

Submissions closed on Monday 27 February 2012. Non confidential submissions can be found on the closed consultation page.

A range of stakeholders submitted comments in response to the Issues Paper and the Working Group would like to thank all those who made submissions. The submitted feedback will provide valuable input to the ongoing investigation of a national Energy Savings Initiative.

More information about the Australian Government's commitment to do further work on this issue and the timeline for upcoming reports and Regulatory Impact Analysis can be found at the national Energy Savings Initiative.

Modelling Assumptions Report submissions

Economic and energy market modelling will be one valuable input to the Working Group's further analysis of a potential national Energy Savings Initiative, particularly the Regulatory Impact Analysis.

The Working Group is consulting with the public, industry and other experts to ensure the modelling methodology, underpinning assumptions and data are robust and evidenced based.

As part of this consultation process, the Working Group sought comment on the Energy market modelling of national energy savings report released in conjunction with the Issues Paper. This report outlines the methodology, assumptions and data that have been applied in preliminary modelling work on the potential economic and energy market impacts of a national Energy Savings Initiative.

Submissions closed on Friday 17 February 2012. Non confidential submissions can be found on the closed consultation page.

The Working Group would like to thank all those who made submissions. The submitted feedback will assist in refining assumptions for further modelling that will take place in 2012.

Consultation events

Stakeholder public consultations on the Issues Paper occurred in late January and early February 2012 in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. Individual meetings were held with state and territory governments, industry and community stakeholders. A modelling workshop was also held in Melbourne.

These consultation events proved valuable, with a range of stakeholders in attendance including individual businesses, industry associations, social welfare groups, and research organisations. Presenters gave an outline of the Issues Paper and the Commonwealth’s timeline and work plan for a potential national Energy Savings Initiative. Key issues discussed included:

  • Design principles and objectives; looking at whether a scheme should focus on lower energy bills, improving energy efficiency, supporting low income households or reducing greenhouse gas emissions—or a combination of these.
  • Issues surrounding what fuels and activities should be eligible and what methods could be used to measure savings from these activities.
  • Issues surrounding the coverage and participation of different sectors, such as small and medium enterprises, large industry and low income households.
  • How existing schemes could transition into a national scheme. 
  • The process for continuing engagement with state and territory governments; and preparing a Regulation Impact Statement. 

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