Access scheme guidelines update

Overview

What’s this about?

The Guidelines for Access Scheme Declarations (PDF, 370KB) were first published in July 2022, with a minor amendment made in April 2024. They provide information on how the Minister for Energy will exercise the function of declaring access schemes. Each renewable energy zone (REZ) has unique opportunities and challenges. The guidelines are designed to stay flexible so the minister can declare access schemes that best support local communities and NSW electricity consumers.

The minister is seeking submissions on the draft update to the Guidelines for Access Scheme Declarations (PDF, 1.14 MB).

Proposed updates have been made to the guidelines to:

• Clarify the development process for access schemes: Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) will primarily be responsible for designing proposed access schemes and making a recommendation to the minister, in consultation with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
• Allow flexibility in the approaches to be used for upcoming access schemes.
• Improve accuracy and update information throughout the guidelines.

Have your say

Have your say by Monday 30 March 2026.

To provide feedback on the draft Guidelines for Access Scheme Declarations, please send your submission to energy.infrastructure@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

When submitting, please include the following in the subject line: 'Your name/Organisation – Draft Guidelines for Access Scheme Declarations'.