Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)
The NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme encourages energy-saving technologies that help reduce electricity demand during peak periods. Eligible upgrades may attract financial incentives, helping make more efficient energy choices affordable.
About
What is the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme?
The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) is a NSW Government initiative designed to reduce electricity demand during peak periods, when pressure on the electricity network is greatest.
By encouraging eligible technologies that lower or shift peak electricity use, the scheme helps support a more reliable electricity network. Financial incentives may be available for qualifying upgrades.
What are Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs)?
The PDRS operates through tradable certificates called Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs).
PRCs are created for eligible activities that reduce electricity demand during specified peak periods. Accredited Certificate Providers (ACPs) can create certificates in accordance with the scheme rules and sell them to generate value that can help support customer incentives.
What does this mean for you?
You don’t need to create or trade certificates yourself. Where an eligible incentive is available, its value may be reflected in the price or offer provided by a participating business, reducing the upfront cost of an eligible upgrade.
Step by step
How does the PDRS work?
The scheme rewards eligible activities that reduce peak electricity demand. The process for customers generally involves:
Check your eligibility
Find out whether your property, existing equipment and proposed upgrade meet the relevant requirements.
Choose an upgrade
Explore suitable technologies available through participating providers.
Receive a quote
Your provider confirms applicable incentives and outlines the installation costs.
Complete installation
Qualified installers complete the work and the participating provider manages applicable scheme documentation.
eligibility
What upgrades may be eligible?
The PDRS supports specific activities that help reduce electricity demand during peak periods. Depending on the current scheme rules, these may include:
Energy-efficient air conditioning
Eligible high-efficiency air conditioning installations or replacements may help reduce electricity demand during peak periods.
Battery and demand-response activities
Certain eligible battery-related or demand-response activities may help shift or reduce electricity use when demand is high.
Important: Not every air conditioner, battery or installation qualifies. The activities, product requirements and incentives available can change. Confirm current eligibility with a participating provider.
Who is eligible?
NSW households and businesses may be eligible for PDRS incentives, depending on the activity and scheme requirements. Eligibility may depend on the property’s location, existing equipment, product specifications, installation arrangements and other conditions.
A participating provider can help establish whether an incentive applies to your proposed upgrade.
How Creditex can help
Creditex works with government energy incentive schemes to help customers explore energy-efficient upgrades and potential financial incentives.
We can help you understand which options may be suitable for your property and what support may be available.
Helpful information
Frequently asked questions
PRCs are tradable certificates associated with eligible activities that reduce electricity demand during peak periods. They provide a mechanism for delivering financial incentives under the PDRS.
No. The ESS focuses on eligible energy savings, while the PDRS focuses on reducing electricity demand during peak periods. The schemes have different rules and certificate types.
Not usually. Where available, scheme incentives are commonly incorporated into an offer or upfront discount from a participating provider rather than paid directly to the customer.
This depends on the specific activities and the rules of each scheme. Your provider can confirm whether incentives can be combined for your proposed upgrade.
Explore more
Related government schemes
Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
Learn about incentives for eligible energy-efficient upgrades.
Learn more →
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
Explore incentives for eligible renewable energy systems.
Learn more →
FOR NSW RESIDENTS
Check what energy rebates you could be eligible for
Live in NSW? You may be eligible for government incentives to help reduce the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. Explore your options with Creditex.