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What You Need To Know

• The expert panel engaged to undertake the review of the renewable energy target is now calling for public  submissions on the renewable energy target review terms of reference. 
• In order to assist individuals and organisations in preparing submissions, the expert panel has released  the Review of the Renewable Energy Target Call for Submissions Paper.

What You Need To Do

This is a key opportunity to provide input on the renewable energy target review. If the renewable energy target review is likely to impact on your business, then you should:

• review the renewable energy target review terms of reference and the Review of the Renewable Energy Target Call for Submissions Paper; and 
• lodge your submission online by 16 May 2014 at the RET Review website.

Background

The expert panel conducting the review of the renewable energy target scheme (RET) is now inviting  submissions on the RET review terms of reference (Terms of Reference).
In order to assist individuals and organisations to prepare submissions, the expert panel has released the Review of the Renewable Energy Target Call for Submissions Paper (Submissions Paper). 

What Issues Are Highlighted In The Submissions Paper? 

The Submissions Paper identifies the issues which the expert panel considers most relevant to its review of the RET. In particular, the expert panel is seeking submissions on the following issues:

• whether the RET has been successful in meeting the objectives of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cth) or if there are more efficient and effective approaches to achieving these objectives; 
• the impacts of the RET on the renewable energy industry, electricity markets and energy markets more broadly, as well as the effectiveness of both the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES); 
• the interaction of the RET with Commonwealth, State and Territory Government policies and what can be done to improve the effectiveness of these interactions in delivering the intended policy objectives; 
• whether the administrative arrangements of the RET can be simplified and whether such a simplification may pose any risks; 
• whether the LRET should be extended to include any other energy sources (for example non-renewable but low emission energy sources) and whether any new small-scale generation technologies or displacement technologies should be included under the SRES; 
• the frequency and effectiveness of the RET reviews, as prescribed by legislation; and 
• what arrangements should be put in place to ensure the reinstatement of native forest woodwaste, as an eligible renewable energy source, is consistent with the sustainable management of native forests.

Although the Submission Paper highlights a number of specific issues, the expert panel still invites submissions on all other issues. 

What You Need To Do 

This is the key opportunity for you to provide input on the RET. If the RET is likely to impact on your business, then you should:

• consider the Terms of Reference and the Submission Paper; and 
• lodge your submission online by 16 May 2014 at the RET Review website.

For further information, please contact:

Peter Limbers, Partner, Ashurst
[email protected]

Paul Newman, Partner, Ashurst
[email protected]

Tony Hill, Partner, Ashurst
[email protected]
Jeff Lynn, Partner, Ashurst
[email protected]

Liza Carver, Partner Ashurst 
[email protected]

James Bruining, Partner, Ashurst
[email protected]

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