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New South Wales Peak Demand Reduction Scheme

Want to earn rebates while helping to reduce grid stress? Join the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme starting November 1, 2024!

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Rebate

The NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme aims to incentivise customers to help reduce the stress placed on the electricity grid during periods of high demand. From 1 November 2024, eligible customers can receive rebates based on the size of the battery installed. 
 

For more information, please click here to go to the NSW Government’s official page. Alternatively, visit the page of the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by clicking here.

How do you participate in the scheme?

To qualify to apply for the rebate, NSW customers with batteries installed after 1 November 2024 need to sign up to an eligible VPP Energy Plan and apply by following the steps shown below.

For more information on the terrific value our VPP Energy Plan offers, click here.

How to apply for the rebate?

The application process is outlined below. It is separated into two stages and will be managed by our approved partner, MAC Trade Services. The application process will be outlined in your welcome pack and you can see a snapshot below as well. After signing up to the ENGIE VPP Energy Plan, we’ll send you a Welcome Pack that contains all of the important information regarding your agreement with us. The Welcome Pack will also contain a NSW PDRS Rebate Application Form and a Fact Sheet from IPART.


For more information on the eligibility criteria and to lodge your application, visit www.mactradeservices.com.au/new-south-wales/virtual-power-plant

Stage 1 - after you’ve received the welcome pack

  1. Review the application form, the MAC Trade Services web page shown above, and ensure you have all of the required documentation and photos ready. Your ENGIE Welcome Pack will also need to be attached to your Stage 1 application.
  2. Read the Fact Sheet from the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
  3. Sign Rebate Application Form where indicated and upload it along with all of the other required documentation.
  4. Submit your Stage 1 application to MAC Trade Services at http://www.mactradeservices.com.au/new-south-wales/virtual-power-plant

Stage 2 - after your battery is connected to the ENGIE VPP

  1. We’ll send you an email with an attachment titled ‘proof of onboarding’, once your new battery has been onboarded by us (ENGIE).
  2. You’ll need to submit your ‘proof of onboarding’ to MAC Trade Services via the link shown above – this is your Stage 2 application – and they will confirm receipt.
  3. MAC Trade Services will pay your rebate to your nominated account within 60 days of your Stage 2 application being submitted and approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme?

It’s a NSW Government initiative to help lower energy use during busy times. Under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, you can enrol your home battery in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and earn up to $400. For further information see below Helpful Links. 
 

How much rebate can I get?

If eligible, you could get between $250 and up to $400 depending on the size of your battery. For further information see below Helpful Links. 

What does ENGIE do in this process?

ENGIE provides you with the necessary forms that you need from us as a VPP retailer (MAC Trade Services will request for more information). We’re here to facilitate you with the VPP documents, but MAC Trade Services will handle your application, other requirements, eligibility, and rebate payment.  ENGIE does not provide the rebate  on your bill. For more information on payments, contact MAC Trade Services. 

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Reach out to MAC Trade Services if you have questions about eligibility or the application itself. They’re the main contact for this rebate. 

Who is MAC Trade Services?

MAC Trade Services provides upgrades and energy savings solutions that help customers reduce their energy usage, lower their carbon footprint, and save money on energy bills. They are dedicated to helping both businesses and households access incentives offered by state and federal Governments. 

Can all customers apply for this rebate?

The eligibility criteria are set out in Schedule D of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme Rule 2024 [Click here] and as at 20/11/2024 includes: 

  1. Your battery/s are intended for use in residential premises in NSW with an existing NMI (National Metering Identifier
  2. Your solar PV system must be installed with the same NMI at the same residential premises where the battery is installed.
  3. There must not be any Life Support Equipment used at the Site.

We also require that:

  1. you have a battery installed and operating  
  2. your battery is connected to the Tesla APP  
  3. you provide both GWID and can prove Tesla App Connection (Provide Tesla app screenshot)

Life support customers are also not accepted under our ENGIE VPP, including those with:

  • An oxygen concentrator  
  • An intermittent peritoneal dialysis machine  
  • A kidney dialysis machine  
  • A CPAP respirator  
  • Crigler Najjar syndrome phototherapy equipment  
  • A ventilator for life support  
  • Any other equipment that a registered medical professional certifies is required for a person residing at the premises for life support.   

How do I apply?

There are 2 stages to this process. It all starts when you receive your Welcome Pack.  

The Welcome Pack will include the instructions on how to apply, a fact sheet, and a nomination form declaration. You have 5 business days after receiving your Welcome Pack to apply for Stage 1 of the application via MAC Trade Services web page Virtual Power Plant Rebates | MAC Trade Services. Missing this time frame may result in you missing the rebate. Refer deadline issues to MAC Trade Services for special handling. 

Stage 1

Note: Your Stage 1 application must be submitted at www.mactradeservices.com.au/new-south-wales/virtual-power-plant within 5 business days of receiving your ENGIE Welcome Pack.

  1. Review the application form (provided in your Welcome Pack) and the MAC Trade Services web page shown above to ensure you have all of the required documentation and photos ready. Your ENGIE Welcome Pack – the pack that this form came with – will also need to be attached to your Stage 1 application.
  2. Read the Fact Sheet (provided in your Welcome Pack) from the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
  3. Sign the Rebate Application Form where indicated and upload it along with all of the other required documentation.
  4. Submit your Stage 1 application to MAC Trade Services at www.mactradeservices.com.au/new-south-wales/virtual-power-plant
  5. MAC Trade Services will assess your application and advise you of the outcome. If there is any additional information required, they will let you know. If you have some questions about the application process, please contact MAC Trade Services using the website link provided above or on 1300 430 917.

Stage 2

  1. We’ll send you an email with an attachment titled ‘proof of onboarding’, once your new battery has been onboarded by us (ENGIE).
  2. You’ll need to submit your ‘proof of onboarding’ to MAC Trade Services via the link shown above – this is your Stage 2 application – and they will confirm receipt.
  3. MAC Trade Services will pay your rebate to your nominated account within 60 days of your Stage 2 application being submitted and approved. 

What happens after I apply?

MAC Trade Services will review your Stage 1 and 2 applications and may ask for extra information. They’ll let you know if you’re eligible for the rebate. 

What is the “proof of onboarding” and why do I need it?

Once ENGIE enrols your battery on the VPP fleet, we’ll send you a “proof of onboarding.” You’ll need to send this to MAC Trade Services to complete the rebate application.

When will I get my rebate?

MAC Trade Services will process the rebate and pay it to you within 60 days after your application is completed. 

How long does ENGIE take to connect my battery to the VPP?

It usually takes up to 4 weeks for us to connect your battery and send you the “proof of onboarding.” 

What if I don’t hear back about my rebate?

If you haven’t heard back, please contact MAC Trade Services. They handle all updates on rebate status and payment. 

Helpful Links