Until now, the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme didn't cover commercial-scale batteries. From 1 September 2026, two new activities — BESS4 and BESS5 — change that, covering battery installations from 20kWh right up to 30MWh of usable capacity. Apartment buildings get their own version, BESS3, launching the same day. And if you're simply connecting a battery to a Virtual Power Plant, the smaller BESS2 incentive is already available now. At current certificate prices, BESS4 and BESS5 typically represent a 20% to 50% discount off the upfront cost of a fully installed system.
BESS5 systems up to 30MWh are eligible to install, but the incentive is calculated on the first 10MWh only. Both BESS4 and BESS5 require new solar PV sized to at least 25% of the battery's usable capacity. BESS3 has its own separate requirements for apartment buildings. Figures based on current program rules, which remain subject to ongoing PDRS consultation and may change.
The right activity depends on your battery's usable capacity, not your business size or industry — and if you manage an apartment building rather than a commercial site, BESS3 is the one that applies instead. We handle the full assessment: sizing your system, confirming which activity fits, and managing the certificate process from start to finish, so you get a clear number, not a guess.
Don't miss out — book a free assessment before September and we'll model your BESS eligibility and show you the real numbers.