{"id":86831,"date":"2024-09-20T05:42:14","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T20:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=86831"},"modified":"2024-09-20T07:00:19","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T21:30:19","slug":"netcc-changes-mb3012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/netcc-changes-mb3012\/","title":{"rendered":"NETCC Proposed Changes: Have Your Say (Soon)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"New<\/p>\n

Remember the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC)? It’s still around and there are changes in the wind.<\/p>\n

The NETCC is a voluntary code of conduct that was designed to build on existing consumer protection regulations in relation to the purchase of new energy tech such as solar power systems, home batteries and EV chargers.<\/p>\n

Launched in 2023<\/a>, it replaced the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC’s) Approved Solar Retailer (ASR) program and was authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The program is overseen by a group of representatives from peak industry and consumer bodies known collectively as the NETCC Council, and the CEC is the program’s Administrator.<\/p>\n

Consultation On Proposed Changes Closes Soon<\/h2>\n

ACCC re- authorisation for the NETCC is due late next year. Part of that process includes opportunity for minor amendments that make requirements clearer, ahead of a fuller review due in 2026.<\/p>\n

Feedback is currently being sought from stakeholders – including consumers – on potential impacts that could arise from the changes; described in this consultation paper<\/a>. A marked- up copy of the re-jiggered code can be accessed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The deadline for feedback submissions is 26 September, 2024. The NETCC Council will then consider and incorporate relevant feedback, and in late October a feedback report will be shared with responders and stakeholders.<\/p>\n

NETCC Isn’t A Rock-Solid Consumer Guarantee<\/h2>\n

When you browse solar installer reviews on SolarQuotes<\/a>, you’ll see which are signatories to the code by the presence of a flag towards the top-right of the review page.<\/p>\n

\"NETCC<\/p>\n

We also have a page explaining what the NETCC is – and isn’t<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It’s really important to understand that just because a solar installer is a signatory, it is not an iron-clad guarantee you won’t experience issues. It just means you’ll have a body with some clout to turn to if things go pear-shaped1<\/a><\/sup>. And that doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your desired outcome.<\/p>\n

If an installer isn’t a signatory, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t any good. The installer might not have wanted to fork out the bucks and jump through the program’s hoops. The application fee is $480 and annual fees range from $800 – $10,000 depending on total value of new energy tech products, systems and services a business has sold over the past year; prior to the deduction of any rebates or incentives.<\/p>\n

What Has The NETCC Council Been Doing?<\/h2>\n

If you go to the NETCC news section<\/a>, they haven’t made many announcements in 2024 – just two so far at the time of publishing. But the NETCC compliance page<\/a> indicates it has been keeping busy. Some quick stats as at August 31, 2024:<\/p>\n