Accreditation is essentially an endorsement from an independent authority. In GreenPower’s case this means the renewable energy product is endorsed by a collection of state governments that manage the GreenPower program. For a renewable energy product to gain endorsement from the GreenPower program it must be generated from:
- Eligible renewable energy sources that meet strict environmental standards
- A new renewable energy facility that was built since January 1997 (Other renewable energy exists, but it may not be accredited because it was built before 1997, and was already contributing energy to the electricity grid)
Accreditation ensures that energy companies are producing renewable energy of the same standard, making it easier for customers to choose between different renewable energy products - as simple as comparing apples with apples.
Accreditation also means that GreenPower retailers’ sales and purchases are audited on an annual basis to ensure you get what you pay for. Retailers are audited to check they haven’t counted their GreenPower purchases towards their mandatory requirements to purchase renewable energy under Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET). This means you pay only once for renewable energy.
From a customer’s perspective, the GreenPower label demonstrates at a glance that they are supporting renewable energy that is best for the environment and the renewable energy purchased will decrease greenhouse pollution.
What is the Australian Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET)?
What qualifies as eligible renewable energy?
What the GreenPower Accreditation label mean?
An accredited GreenPower product will always carry the ‘tick’ label. This accreditation label is supported and managed by governments throughout Australia. When you decide to purchase renewable energy make sure you look for the accredited GreenPower ‘tick’ label.
These labels tell you the amount of accredited GreenPower your energy retailer is purchasing on your behalf, as a percentage (10% – 100%) of your household’s electricity consumption. 50% means that your energy supplier purchases renewable energy from accredited GreenPower sources to the amount equal to 50% of your household’s electricity consumption.
Accredited GreenPower vs non-accredited GreenPower products
When choosing a renewable energy product, it is important to be aware of the basic differences between non-accredited renewable energy products and renewable energy products that are accredited GreenPower. Non-accredited renewable energy products are products that are often promoted as other forms of ‘green’ or ‘zero carbon electricity’ or 100% renewable energy without mentioning GreenPower accreditation.
Generally non-accredited products source their renewable energy from old sources that were established decades ago, such as large hydro-electric projects. Purchasing products sourced from old renewable energy does not contribute to further investment in renewable energy. An older hydro-electricity power station will continue operating whether or not you buy it as GreenPower. Buying older hydro electricity does not result in any new generation that will increase the amount of renewable energy generated to power Australian households and businesses.
No independent audit process or guidelines exist to monitor non-accredited renewable energy products so it cannot be guaranteed that the purchase of these products will contribute to further investment in clean renewable energy in the future.
Find more information about Audits
Accreditation program
The GreenPower accreditation program aims to drive investment in renewable energy in Australia and make Australia's electricity supply sustainable. It does this by raising awareness of GreenPower accredited renewable energy products to increase their uptake and by helping consumers feel more confident when choosing these products.
The objectives of the National GreenPower Accreditation Program are to:
- Facilitate the installation of new renewable energy generators across Australia, beyond mandatory renewable requirements, thereby decreasing greenhouse pollution.
- Encourage growth in consumer demand for renewable energy.
- Provide consumer choice for, and increase confidence in credible renewable energy products.
- Promote the renewable energy industry through the rigorous accreditation of generators.
- Increase consumer awareness of the benefits of renewable energy.
- Increase the sustainability of Australia’s electricity supply.